Chief Executive Brian Sullivan Steps Down from Sky Deutschland

UNTERFÖHRING: Brian Sullivan, the chief executive of Sky Deutschland, is planning to exit the role as of June 24 to return to the U.S.

Carsten Schmidt, currently Sky Deutschland’s chief officer of sports, advertising sales and internet, has been tapped to succeed Sullivan. He takes on the new role of deputy chief executive with immediate effect and will work alongside Sullivan over the coming months before taking over as chief executive. Schmidt has served on Sky Deutschland’s management board since 2006, after joining the company in 1999.

Jeremy Darroch, the chief executive of Sky and chairman of Sky Deutschland’s supervisory board, said: “Brian Sullivan has made a huge contribution to Sky Deutschland over the last five years. He has built an excellent team who have delivered a step-change in growth and opened up the significant future opportunity for Sky in Germany and Austria. We wish him the very best as he returns to the U.S.

“We are delighted to appoint such an experienced and capable executive from within the existing leadership team. Carsten Schmidt has played a central role in the transformation of Sky in Germany, building a strong business in premium sport with a deserved reputation for outstanding quality and innovation. With the support of an excellent team, he will lead the next phase of Sky’s growth as it continues to execute on a well-established and successful strategy.”

Schmidt added: “This is an exciting time for Sky in Germany and Austria. The business is performing very well, and with the support of the wider Sky group, we are now even better positioned to exploit the huge potential in our sector. I’m looking forward to working with the team to bring the Sky experience to many more customers in the future.”

Sullivan commented: “Sky Deutschland has come a long way over the last few years. The product we deliver today is amongst the best in the world, whether that be our outstanding content, amazing innovations or award winning customer service. And customers have responded in the millions. This could not have been accomplished without the incredible team here at Sky, of which Carsten has been an outstanding member. I cannot think of a better person to work with Jeremy and the whole team to bring the next chapter of the Sky story to life.”