Head of Programming in Place for SkyShowtime

Jon Farrar has been named head of programming for SkyShowtime, joining from BBC Studios.

At BBC Studios, Farrar has led the direct-to-consumer programming strategy in his dual role as global VOD director and editor-in-chief of BBC Select, the BBC’s first-ever branded SVOD service in North America. He was also part of the team that developed BritBox, the streaming joint venture between BBC Studios and ITV.

Reporting to SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan, Farrar will be responsible for programming strategy, overseeing the service’s pipeline of partner studio content and building a world-class programming team across SkyShowtime’s markets to develop original and local content. Farrar will also lead the acquisitions, scheduling and editorial, and content operations functions.

Farrar said: “I am so thrilled to be taking up this role which, for a fan of great programs, is the most exciting job in European streaming. I cannot wait to start working with Monty and the team on how we take a unique approach to bring SkyShowtime, with its brilliant content pipeline, to audiences across the continent.”

Additionally, Raquel Berzosa has been appointed as regional general manager for Iberia. Berzosa will be responsible for expanding SkyShowtime in Spain and Portugal, building and leading the regional distribution and partnerships group, and overseeing marketing and content across Iberia.

She joins from NBCUniversal International Networks & DTC, where she was VP of affiliate sales and country lead for Iberia. Based in Madrid, Berzosa will also report to Sarhan.

With Berzosa’s appointment, SkyShowtime’s regional leadership team is now complete. She joins Gabor Harsanyi, regional general manager for Central Eastern Europe, and Henriette Petersen, regional general manager for North Europe.

Berzosa stated: “This role is a dream come true for someone who is as passionate about entertainment as I am. I am thrilled to be joining Monty’s leadership team. The interest from distributors has been overwhelming, and I look forward to bringing SkyShowtime’s amazing content to our audiences in Spain and Portugal.”

Richard Thurston joins SkyShowtime as chief human resources officer. He joins the team after ten years at Sky, where he held several leadership roles, including his most recent group role as HR director.

Thurston said: “I was fortunate enough to have been involved in laying the foundations of SkyShowtime since inception, so the opportunity to continue to be part of the journey of this unique business as it grows and connects to customers is hugely exciting. I am passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments where people can be themselves, innovate and grow. I look forward to working with the rest of the leadership team and welcoming great talent to SkyShowtime.”

Sarhan added: “With their passion for our content and commitment to our mission, Jon, Raquel and Richard will be instrumental as we prepare our rollout across Europe. I look forward to working with them.”