Power hunts distribution chief after sales restructure

UK-based producer-distributor Power is hunting a head of sales following the departure of the long-serving Andrew Whiteman as part of a restructure.

Head of sales, planning and operations, Whiteman was with Power since 1998, and was promoted to his most recent role in 2010 upon Sabido Group’s acquisition of the firm.

He has exited the company after the Power board decided on a restructure that will expand the sales division.

The firm is taking on a head of global sales, who will take over Whiteman’s duties, a rep confirmed. Due to the company’s modest size, it was decided both posts could not exist side-by-side, and Whiteman’s role became redundant.

The recruitment process for the head of global sales is said to be “well underway”, with an announcement on the role coming “relatively soon”, the rep said.

Whitehead’s role saw him working with the company CEO on long-term sales and acquisitions strategy, and personally leading sales of drama, factual and wildlife programming in USA, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Ireland and Spain. Among those reporting in to him were VP of sales Steve Turney.

He is credited with leading Power’s push into the wildlife space, which came after Power added library content from South African parent firm, and the owner of terrestrial broadcaster ETV, Sabido.

“We genuinely do wish Andrew all the best as he was probably the most popular member of the team,” said the Power spokesman.