Sky is bringing its studios and content division together under Cécile Frot-Coutaz.
Frot-Coutaz, who joined the Comcast-owned outfit nearly three years ago, has been upped and will take on the expanded role of CEO Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer.
She will lead all of Sky’s content business excluding sport while continuing to helm the production arm. Sky’s UK and Ireland content teams plus Sky News across Europe will report to Frot-Coutaz, including the likes of Content MD Zai Bennett. The move comes several weeks after Sky revealed UK and Ireland CEO Stephen van Rooyen would be stepping down at the end of February, leaving Sky’s UK and Ireland operations to report directly to CEO Dana Strong in the States.
Projects currently in development will not be impacted by the changes, we understand. Meghan Lyvers will continue to oversee original series for Sky Studios, with Katherine Butler leading drama commissioning and Alex Moody comedy. Sky Studios Italia boss Nils Hartmann continues in post and will also report to Frot Coutaz. Upcoming big-budget Sky shows include adaptations of Day of the Jackal and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Frot Coutaz said the move “maximises the benefits of our content business, whilst continuing to invest in original programming across all genres.”
“Our teams deliver unmissable Sky Originals to viewers in the UK and Ireland across Sky Group and around the world,” she added. “I am excited to work even more closely with Zai and the wider teams as we further our investment in British and Irish content.”
Bennett said the move is the “next logical step,” adding: “I am looking forward to collaborating further with Cécile and excited that 2024 is set to be a stellar year on screen for Sky customers.”
Sky’s move to a single structure comes almost a year after a Deadline deep dive uncovered confusion over Sky Studios and the way in which it was fitting in with the broader Sky structure. More than 20 current and former Sky executives, major suppliers and writers described to us a bewildering and ruthless environment in which to do business.
