Horse & Country names ex-Fox and Starz exec Penney to board

Equestrian sports channel Horse & Country TV (H&C) has named former 20^thCentury Fox and Starz network executive John Penney to its board of directors.

H&C said that Penney would bring extensive knowledge and experience of growing subscription businesses within the video entertainment sector. Most recently he was EVP, consumer development and strategic Partnerships at 20th Century Fox, responsible for new business initiatives and partnerships.

Previously, he served as chief strategy officer at Lionsgate-owned premium pay TV channel operator Starz, and was also chairman of Starz Play Arabia.

He has also held senior positions at HBO, IMG, and Viacom, having started his career in global media and entertainment as a banker and equity research analyst with Sanford C Bernstein and The Chase Manhattan Bank.

H&C CEO Heather Killen said: “We are delighted that John has agreed to join the H&C Board. At a time when we are making great strides in growing the subscription side of our business, his knowledge and expertise in this area will be the added ingredient in turbo-charging our efforts.”

Penney said: “I’m father to a dedicated equestrian daughter so I know the sector, the passion it inspires and, most importantly, the scale of the opportunity. I’m looking forward to bringing my skill set to bear on a fascinating business at a key phase in its development.”