Media Asia has appointedJohn Chong as chief executive officer of the company following the retirementof previous CEO Jerry Liu.

Chong co-founded Media Asiain 1995 and previously held the position of executive deputy chairman and wasan executive director with responsibility for film production, marketing anddistribution.

Media Asia said in astatement that it was "entering a new phase where greater emphasis is beingplaced on film production" making Chong's experience invaluable. The company isone of Hong Kong's biggest producer-distributors and recently wrappedFeng Xiaogang's The Banquet, aco-production with China's Huayi Brothers starring Zhang Ziyi.

Another founding member ofthe Media Asia Group, Liu will continue to consult for the company and remainas a non-executive director.