Marketing expert Thana Thienachariya will step down as chief executive of GMM Z, the satellite television unit of GMM Grammy Plc, in the first quarter of 2013.

The decision came after Grammy faced a dispute with TrueVisions over the 2012 Uefa championship, the country's biggest cable TV operator.

Mr Thana said he already told Grammy chairman Paiboon Damrongchaitham about his resignation.

"I'm waiting for his approval and permission, as I respect him like a big brother. I want to go back to serving Grammy as a consultant instead," said Mr Thana.

He added that he prefers to work behind the scenes.

Mr Thana also conceded he is in talks with a few companies in various fields but declined to elaborate.

A source close to Mr Thana said he has been approached by InTouch, the country's largest telecom, and some companies in the banking and telecommunications sectors.