XYZnetworks Makes Two New Appointments

July 1, 2009 World Screen

SYDNEY: XYZnetworks has appointed Hannah Barnes to the newly created position of director of programming and acquisitions for LifeStyle Channels, while Trevor Eastment becomes director of production.

Barnes will direct both programming and acquisitions across the LifeStyle group, reporting directly to general manager Nicole Sheffield. Barnes joins the company having worked at such channels as LIVING tv, LIVING tv2, FTN, FIVER, FIVE US, Sky One, Sky Two and Sky Three. Her appointment takes effect on July 6.

Eastment will concentrate on the production side of the business. He has been instrumental in creating and producing LifeStyle’s award-winning productions over the years.

XYZnetworks acquisitions team will continue to provide support for the LifeStyle Channels as well as XYZnetworks Music Channels and The Weather Channel. Ronda Elbanna has been promoted to acquisition manager XYZnetworks. In her new role, Elbanna will work closely with Barnes and the other XYZnetworks programming directors to deliver content for the channels.

“With our LifeStyle portfolio expanding and our long serving Director of Acquisitions leaving the company, we have had the opportunity to realign two important areas of our organisation,” said Bruce Mann, the CEO of XYZnetworks. “Hannah’s background and experience is perfectly suited for this newly created role of director of programming and acquisitions. Our LifeStyle portfolio is a major contributor to our business and this realignment ensures greater focus on identifying, acquiring and programming our key lifestyle properties.”

Nicole Sheffield, the general manager for LifeStyle Channels, added, “We’ve always known that our LifeStyle Channels are leaders in the category. To attract someone of Hannah’s caliber is further proof and I’m delighted to have her join the team at this exciting time for our channels.” 

XYZnetworks current LifeStyle portfolio currently includes The LifeStyle Channel and LifeStyle FOOD with an additional channel slated for launch later in the year.