all3media international Hires for North American Office

NEW YORK: all3media international has tapped Sally Habbershaw, a former A+E Networks exec, and Maria Ishak, who hails from Blue Chalk Media, for its New York City-based office that will service North America.

Opening later this month, the North America sales hub is all3media international’s first regional sales office established since it was founded in 2003. The company is also on track to open a second regional sales office in Asia later this year.

The office will be led by Habbershaw in the position of executive VP of sales and co-productions for North America. Habbershaw’s role will incorporate oversight for all regional distribution as well as furthering the company’s activity in U.S. scripted co-production. She will report to Steve Macallister, CEO of all3media international, in London. Previously, Habbershaw was VP of international programming, operations and research at A+E Networks, where she oversaw all areas of content exploitation. Previous roles include VP of acquisitions, scheduling and promotions for Sundance & WE Global at AMC Networks; director of development at VH1 USA at Viacom New York; and VP and general manager for VH1 UK at Viacom London.

Ishak, meanwhile, will be managing sales across North America. Her remit will also encompass distribution to Canada, alongside managing sales to the U.S. Previously VP of business development at Blue Chalk Media, Ishak has more than ten years’ experience in international distribution. Prior to Blue Chalk Media, Ishak was VP of sales and acquisitions for North America at Passion Distribution, before moving to New York to launch and head up Passion Distribution USA.

Macallister commented: “Establishing a dedicated sales office in North America is a significant landmark in our ongoing expansion as we further our commitment to offering a world-class, regionally focused approach to distribution and customer service. The appointment of an executive of Sally’s caliber, with her wealth of experience across multiple streams of content distribution, alongside Maria, who has extensive knowledge and expertise in sales to North America, underlines our strong ambitions in this extremely important market.”

Habbershaw added: “all3media international’s ever-widening slate of original and innovative programs and formats, alongside a roster of exciting content in development, represents a fantastic opportunity for growth in North America. I’m looking forward to working in collaboration with the London team to ensure we fully maximize the potential of this content, alongside expanding the activity and presence of the company as a whole across this diverse and vibrant market.”