A+E swoops on Sky exec

Adrian Pilkington is taking a newly created position

Channels operator A+E Networks UK has brought in an exec from satcaster Sky to oversee distribution and strategy of its networks across Europe and the Middle East.

Adrian Pilkington will take the newly created role of senior VP of distribution and strategy from September 1 and will be responsible for the expansion of A+E channels across the UK, the Nordic and Benelux regions and CEEMEA.

Pilkington joins from Sky where he had been director of partner channels for five years, responsible for the satcaster’s partnerships with more than 60 retailed channels and working across mobile services such as Sky Go and OTT offering NOW TV.

He will report to chief operating officer Nicolas Eglau and will also be responsible for developing A+E Networks UK’s corporate strategy. Eglau was appointed in August while Heather Jones was promoted to senior VP of content and creative in January.

In other changes, Tom Davidson, MD at A+E Networks UK, left the firm to be replaced by Dean Possenniskie, who was MD for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at A+E Networks.

A+E Networks UK is a joint venture between A+E Networks and Sky that operates 18 channels across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The venture has offices in London, Copenhagen, Warsaw and Johannesburg.