Keshet expands into UK, US with exec hires

Keshet International is to expand in the UK and US and has made a number of executive hires to help this international charge.

The Israeli company has hired former Sky exec Sara Johnson and former Shed Media exec Lee Mason to join its newly opened UK office.

Johnson, who was previously head of drama at Sky and head of development at La Plante Productions, will join as executive producer and head of scripted coproductions.

Johnson, meanwhile, will join as development producer. He was previously head of development at Shed Media and drama editor in charge of Hollyoaks at Channel 4.

Further appointments are also expected to be announced soon.

Keshet International has found success selling its scripted formats in the United States. As well as Homeland, which airs on Showtime, it has sold spy drama MICE, based on Gordin Cell, to NBC; Tribe, based on comedy Your Family or Mine to ABC and Mothers Day to CBS.

MD Alon Shtruzman said: “In light of the growing success of our formats worldwide, it’s only natural for Keshet to take a bigger position on its own shows. We are now building teams in London and Los Angeles in order to drive our productions in the UK and the US, independently or with partners.”