Sky Austria MD upped to Sky Deutschland commercial chief

Sky Austria managing director Neal O’Rourke is to become Sky Deutschland’s chief commercial officer in addition to his existing role.

Neal O’Rourke

As CCO, O’Rourke will take charge of Sky Deutschland’s customer strategy and its implementation across the German-speaking markets.

O’Rourke succeeds Kathryn Imrie, who is leaving the company and returning to the UK for family reasons.

O’Rourke has served as MD of Sky’s Austrian operation since January 2020, having previously worked as Sky Ireland’s chief finance and chief strategy officer. Before that he was group commercial director at Irish airline Aer Lingus.

“I am proud that we are able to fill this position with a talented, highly valued manager from within our own ranks, who combines many years of expertise and clear leadership qualities. This will enable us to guarantee a seamless transition for our business with the prerequisites for further growth and the continuing strengthening of our brand,” said Devesh Raj, CEO of Sky Deutschland.

There has been considerable speculation of late that owner Comcast will seek to sell Sky Deutschland to one of a number of potential buyers.

Most recently, Reuters reported that German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 is looking to acquire the pay TV operator for around €1 billion.

The news agency had previously reported that Comcast is working with advisory firm PJT Partners on the pros and cons of selling the German business.