Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch has announced that he is stepping down from his position, with Comcast’s Dana Strong set to replace Darroch.
Darroch has served as Sky CEO for over 13 years, and will remain on the board throughout 2021 as executive chairman, continuing to operate as an advisor for the media giant.
He made a significant impact during his tenure, expanding the firm’s customer base to over 24 million subscribers, investing heavily in TV technology and secured Sky’s position as the primary broadcaster of Premier League football.
The outgoing executive said on Wednesday: “It has been a privilege to lead Sky for 13 years, and an experience that I have looked forward to every day, so my decision to leave has not been easy.
“But with the business firmly settled into the wider Comcast Corporation and a strong plan in place, now is the right time.”
Dana Strong has previously worked for Sky’s rival Virgin Media as Chief Operating Officer, and prior to her most recent appointment, she held the title of President of Consumer Services for Comcast.
She will report directly to Brian L Roberts, CEO of Comcast, the American media giant which acquired Sky from Rupert Murdoch in 2018 for £30.5 billion.
Strong commented: “There are few businesses that have the track record of Sky, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the company.
“I’ve always admired Sky’s innovation, brand, and exceptional focus on the customer. I look forward to working with this incredible team to continue to grow the business and shape the next chapter for Sky.”
As CEO of Sky, Strong will be responsible for Sky Sports, one of the UK’s leading sports channels, providing coverage of the Premier League, English Football League, Betfred Super League, England Rugby Union internationals, Formula One, the major US Open, The Open Championship, PGA Championship and the Masters Tournament, in addition to professional boxing matches in association with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
