Frot-Coutaz, who replaces current CEO Gary Davey, will oversee the funding, development, production and commissioning teams for scripted Sky originals and take charge of Sky Studios’ global portfolio of production companies.
European media giant Sky has appointed the head of YouTube in EMEA and former Fremantle chief Cécile Frot-Coutaz as CEO of Sky Studios.
Frot-Coutaz, who replaces current CEO Gary Davey, will oversee the funding, development, production and commissioning teams for scripted Sky originals and take charge of Sky Studios’ global portfolio of production companies.
These include Blast! Films, Jupiter Entertainment, True North and Love Productions, creator of the Great British Bake Off. Her remit also includes the upcoming launch of Sky Studios Elstree, the soon-to-launch film and TV studios that will house 13 sound stages, which is set to open next year.
Frot-Coutaz takes up her new role in September and will report to Andrea Zappia, EVP & CEO of New Markets & Business.
She will work alongside the outgoing Davey during the transition, after he revealed in December that he would be retiring.
Dana Strong, Sky Group’s CEO, described Frot-Coutaz as “a global leader in content and entertainment” whose “bold vision and unique mix of experience” would take the company’s production, development and commissioning operation “to the next level of becoming a European production powerhouse.”
Strong added: “She is perfectly suited to lead Sky Studios as we ramp up our investment in original content and look ahead to cameras rolling at Sky Studios Elstree next year.”
Frot-Coutaz added: “Like the rest of the industry I have witnessed the launch of Sky Studios just over two years ago and have seen the ambition and speed by which the organisation has grown. I could not pass up the opportunity to lead the studio through its next phase of growth and look forward to getting started later this year.”
