Sky exec replaces Brass at ESG

Endemol Shine Group has appointed a senior exec from Sky to head up international operations for the megaindie after the exit of Martha Brass.

Nicola Bamford

Nicola Bamford has been named CEO of international operations at ESG and assumes direct responsibility for operating companies in China, France, Iberia, India, Italy, Israel and South-East Asia.

Marina Williams, ESG’s chief operating officer for international operations, retains oversight of Central and Eastern European and Middle Eastern territories, as well as Poland, Russia and Africa, and reports to Bamford.

Bamford will take up the role in October and will be based in ESG’s Amsterdam and London offices. She will take a seat on the group’s executive team and commercial boards and reports directly to ESG CEO Sophie Turner Laing.

Bamford joins from Sky, where she has held a series of senior roles across the UK, Germany and India over the past decade, most recently being director of international OTT.

She replaces Brass, who decided earlier this year that she wanted to step down from the role during the summer, C21 understands.

Turner Laing said: “Nicola combines a truly global outlook with commercial prowess, creative instincts and infectious enthusiasm – a great combination of skills and experience and a perfect fit for our group and the role. We very much look forward to welcoming her to the fold.”

Bamford added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sky and am grateful for all the opportunities they have given me. I am sorry to be leaving so many great colleagues and friends, but this was an irresistible opportunity to work with such a diverse range of creative leaders and countries to help them realise their ambitions.”

Bamford was previously director of Sky Store, chief content and business development officer for Tata Sky in Mumbai, and senior VP of programming for Sky Deutschland. She was also director of channels and operations at Sky UK, and before joining the business in 2004 was VP of ventures and business development for The Walt Disney Company.