EXCLUSIVE: Apple has hired an ex-Sky vet to lead its international video team.
Catherine Lees joined earlier this month in the International Director – TV – Apple role. She replaces Chiara Cipriani, who we are told has moved into a different role.
In a post on LinkedIn, Lees said she was “thrilled to announce” she had started the new gig leading what Apple terms the “international video team.” “Apple has always been a company I’ve deeply admired, and I’m beyond excited and grateful to be part of such an inspiring organisation, working with a brilliant team, with the most incredible content,” she wrote, before thanking her former employer Sky.
Beyond confirming Lees’ hire, Apple declined comment on the role. Other senior execs in the Apple international team include Slow Horses commissioner Jay Hunt, who runs commissioning for Apple TV+ out of Europe, Head of International Content Development Morgan Wandell and Oliver Jones, who is Senior Creative Executive – International Scripted Television.
Prior to Apple, Lees was Sky’s Managing Director of TV. She rose up the ranks at the pay-TV giant, starting off in 2010 as a senior product manager. She was previously a Management Consultant at Accenture.
Lees left Sky last month and was replaced by former premium and consumer strategy boss Ben Case.
“Although I am personally still a little heartbroken to lose Catherine from our leadership team, I am very excited to see what she does next in her career,” said a note to staff from Chief Consumer Officer Sophia Ahmad last month, seen by Deadline. “She leaves Sky a better place for having worked here, and I know her experience at Sky sets her up for future success.”
