A+E poaches Universal Channels exec for new distribution role

A+E Networks UK has hired Katarzyna Jablonska as its director of distribution.

Jablonska joins from Universal Global Networks where, as commercial director, she worked on channel launches.

In the newly-created role at channel operator A+E, she will work on developing the company’s portfolio across its across the UK, Central Eastern Europe, South Africa, Benelux and Nordic footprint.

Jablonska will report to A+E Networks UK VP of commercial operations, Bakori Davis.

A+E Networks UK is a joint venture between US company A+E Networks and UK pay TV platform BSkyB. It runs the History, Crime & Investigation, Bio, and H2 channels.

It is expected to launch female-skewing net Lifetime shortly.

Bakori Davis said: “Katarzyna will focus on helping to raise the value of our brands, as well as introducing our new channels and deepening our relationships with our commercial partners.”

Jablonska was regional director, Central Europe, for Fox International Channels prior to working at Universal. Speaking about her new role at A+E she said: “[A+E’s] unique portfolio has great growth potential and delivers some of the best factual entertainment content available”.

The news comes as US trade blog Deadline reports former BBC Worldwide exec Jana Bennett is set to join A+E to run second tier cable channels LMN and Bio.