Jon Mountague to Head Comedy for Sky

LONDON: Jon Mountague, who has been serving as Sky’s acting head of comedy since September, will now officially take over the position as part of a wider entertainment-team restructure.

He will oversee a commissioning slate that includes the upcoming Mid Morning Matters (Steve Coogan), Rovers (Sue Johnston and Craig Cash), Hunderby (Julia Davis), After Hours (Ardal O'Hanlon) and Yonderland. Mountague previously served as Sky’s commissioning editor, with credits such as Stella, Mount Pleasant and Trollied.

Mountague's appointment is one of many within the entertainment unit.

Gary Davey, the managing director of content at Sky, commented: “Jon has done an outstanding job of nurturing many of our most important returning shows and I know he will take good care of Sky’s highly valued comedy heritage. I look forward to watching him take Sky comedy to the next level.”

Davey continued: “It’s been a great year for Sky content. The launch of Sky Atlantic drama Fortitude earlier this year resulted in it becoming the channel’s most successful original commission to date. The show has now been sold to more than 100 broadcasters around the world and is set to return for a second series in 2016.

“We’ve also announced an ambitious new lineup of fresh and modern programming for Sky 1, bolstered by the biggest investment we’ve made in its history. For the first time ever, we will offer brand-new U.K. drama and comedy on this channel all year round.

“As well as growing our content, we’re also making sure it’s available whenever, wherever and however our customers want it, as we continue our focus on building our On Demand capabilities.

“I’m committed to continuing to offer our customers a broad range of quality, original content. With our priorities in mind, I have reviewed the workings of our entertainment team to reflect this.

“Adam MacDonald, director of Sky 1, will now take on responsibility for both Sky 1 and Sky Living. Adam will ensure our customers continue to value and love these popular channels, while furthering Sky’s commitment to make Sky 1 a go-to destination for family entertainment. In addition, Adam will look after the Pick and Challenge channel portfolio, with Stephen Ladlow, director of Pick and Challenge, as his direct report.

“Adam will report directly into me, alongside Zai Bennett, director of Sky Atlantic, and Phillip Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts.

“Julia Barry, existing director of Sky Living, will turn her focus to On Demand. As the customer importance for On Demand continues to grow, Julia will lead this vital area and build a stronger On Demand culture across the wider content team at Sky.

“Julia will report into Dominic Shorrocks, who leads our strategy and operations group. Dominic will also now take the lead in expanding our growing presence in kids’ content, having supported this proposition over the last 12 months. He’ll be supported by Lucy Murphy, who has joined the business this month as our new head of kids’ editorial.

“As we continue to build on our original content, I want to ensure that the commissioning teams at Sky receive close support. Anne Mensah, head of drama; Celia Taylor, head of non-scripted and factual; and Jon Mountague, head of comedy, will also report directly into me.

“With the team now in place, I’m really excited about the future and continuing to deliver great, high-quality entertainment content to our customers.”