Sharman Resigns As Managing Director Of Sky Networks
Sky Networks managing director Mark Sharman has quit the satellite broadcaster in the first senior management change since the appointment of James Murdoch as chief executive earlier this month.
Sharman, who oversees production for all Sky’s wholly owned channels except Sky Sports, will make his surprise departure at the end of the month after reportedly turning down a deal offered by Murdoch.
He will continue to work for the company on a consultancy basis, but is not thought to have another job to go. Report suggest he is looking to return to the production sector after a break of a few months.
A spokesman for BSkyB said: “Mark has decided to leave the company. It was entirely his decision and we wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Sharman’s resignation follows the departure of Sara Ramsden as controller of Sky One after less than a year in the job. She was replaced by James Baker, former head of content and creative affairs (see Baker To Replace Ramsden As Controller Of Sky One).
Sharman first joined BSkyB in 1994 as the director of programmes at Sky Sports and was subsequently promoted to deputy managing director of the division. He left the satellite broadcaster in 1998 to launch Channel 4’s live Test Cricket coverage, but returned to BSkyB last April as deputy to Dawn Airey, Sky Networks managing director.
BSkyB recently announced that it has gained 170,000 new subscribers to its digital satellite service during the last three months and confirmed that it has achieved its target of securing 7 million customers by the end of 2003, three months ahead of schedule (see BSkyB Doubles Profit As 7 Million Subs Target Is Hit).
BSkyB: 0207 705 3000 www.sky.com
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