Mensah makes dramatic BSkyB move

BSkyB has poached BBC executive Anne Mensah who will become the UK pay TV platform’s head of drama programming. Mensah fills the position vacated by Elaine Pyke who last week was announced as director of programmes at Sky’s HBO-centric entertainment channel Sky Atlantic.

Mensah joins Sky from UK public broadcaster the BBC where she was head of drama, BBC Scotland and head of independent drama, BBC. She will report to Stuart Murphy, director of programmes, Sky 1 HD, Sky 1 and Sky 2.

“We’ve increased our investment in original shows,” Murphy said. “She’s stood out in the industry as someone who loves writers, takes thrilling but calculated creative risks and nurtures ambitious projects so is ideally suited to running the slate across five channels.”

Mensah said: “I’m excited by Sky’s real and tangible commitment to UK programming, developed and produced by the best British talent.”