Sky shuffles entertainment team
November 17, 2016
Gary Davey, Sky’s Managing Director of Content has announced a realignment of the Entertainment portfolio which will see Zai Bennett take on the new role of Director of Programmes, Sky Entertainment UK and Ireland, effective immediately.
In this newly created role, Bennett will take on overall leadership of the UK Entertainment team which includes Director of Sky 1 and Sky Living Adam MacDonald, Director of Sky Arts and Non-Scripted Phil Edgar-Jones, Head of Comedy Jon Mountague and Head of Kids Content Lucy Murphy.
“Zai has been a key member of the content team since 2014 and in that time, has done an outstanding job of managing and curating the brilliant Sky Atlantic brand. I am delighted with the progress we have made on our content journey in the UK and we are ready to take our programming to a whole new level. The changes announced today will enable us to have a clearer focus for the content plan in the UK and Ireland while other members of my team continue to have responsibilities to both the UK and the rest of Europe.” commented Davey.
In his new role Bennett will retain responsibility for Sky Atlantic, and will be supported by Jamie Morris who takes on the new position of Channel Editor, Sky Atlantic while retaining his existing responsibilities overseeing the scheduling for Sky Arts and Sky Atlantic.
Bennett added “It’s a hugely exciting time for Sky’s Entertainment Channels, with more amazing new original and acquired shows than ever before. I’m really looking forward to working incredibly closely with Gary, Adam, Phil, Jon, Anne, Sarah, Jamie and Lucy on how we continue to raise the bar and offer our customers the very best TV.”
Adam MacDonald will continue to manage Sky 1 and Sky Living, supported by Stephen Ladlow heading up the free-to air channels, Pick and Challenge.
Phil Edgar-Jones will continue to lead Sky Arts, including the unique Arts Hub in Milan with additional responsibility for non-scripted programming.
The original comedy slate will remain under the leadership of Jon Mountague, with a focus on new and returning scripted comedy.
Lucy Murphy, Head of Kids Content will also work in to Bennett, as Sky continues to build on its successes in children’s programming.
Anne Mensah continues her leadership of Drama reporting to Gary Davey as does Sarah Wright in Acquired Programming.