Airey Makes First Executive Appointment At Sky

Dawn Airey, the new controller of Sky Networks has appointed Sophie Turner Laing, the BBC’s controller of acquisitions to head up the group’s films and acquisitions business.

The move is Airey’s first senior appointment since she took up her new post at Sky last week. She commented: “I am thrilled to welcome someone of Sophie’s talents to Sky. She has an enviable track record for timely and imaginative acquisitions and a very strong commercial reputation. She will thrive in the growing multi-channel environment and build on Sky’s status as the destination point for film and series.”

Turner Laing’s film acquisitions whilst at the BBC are understood to include Titanic, Chicken Run and Toy Story. She has also been credited with bringing the cult Buffy The Vampire Slayer and 24 series from the US to BBC2.

Turner Laing will report directly to Airey, the former chief executive of Channel 5, who shocked the industry with her decision to join Sky as it was widely expected she would take up a similar role at ITV (see Airey’s Departure Represents Coup For BSkyB).

In a separate development Sky has unveiled a new bi-weekly talk show on Sky News presented by controversial Sun columnist Richard Littlejohn.

BSkyB: 020 7705 3000 www.sky.com

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