A+E Networks UK appoints Sky veteran as strategy head

Adrian Pilkington

A+E Networks has appointed Sky veteran, Adrian Pilkington, to the newly created role of senior vice president, distribution and strategy.

Pilkington will join A+E Networks UK on September 1 and will oversee branded channel and digital distribution across the UK, Nordic, and Benelux regions, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA).

Reporting to chief operating officer, Nicolas Eglau, the pair will also jointly develop A+E Networks UK’s “high-growth corporate strategy”.

Pilkington joins A+E after more than 14 years at Sky, where he has spent the last five as director of partner channels – fronting strategic initiatives like Sky’s HD, Sky Go, and Now TV partner channel launch program. Prior to this Prior to this he was responsible for the launch and management of Sky’s interactive business.

“We are continuing to build a first class management team at A+E Networks UK to drive the growth of our brands and business. Distribution and strategy is a key element to our future success and growth plans, and I am delighted to bring an executive of Adrian’s calibre and experience to lead this area of our business,” said Dean Possenniskie, managing director, EMEA for A+E Networks.

The hire follows the recent appointment of Eglau as COO and the promotion of Heather Jones to senior vice-president, content and creative. Both report to Possenniskie.

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