Streaming channel QYou staffs up

Streamed linear channel The QYou has hired three commercial execs, adding Amory B. Schwartz, Bob Reid and Natasha Roberton to its executive ranks.

Dublin-based The QYou launched last year and is a streamed linear channel programmed with shortform content.

Industry veterans Scott Ehrlich (Fox News, Real Networks), Curt Marvis (MTV, Lionsgate Entertainment), Les Garland (MTV, VH1) and G. Scott Patterson (Lionsgate, NeuLion) launched the service, which is backed by Beijing-based pay TV operator StarTimes.

The ad-free service has made for digital content presented by ‘Q-rators’ in a linear environment.

Schwartz, founder of the North American Sports Network (NASN), which was ultimately sold to ESPN, joins The QYou as executive VP, global sales and commercial development. Post-NASN, Schwartz set up The Outdoor Channel HD in the EMEA region for channels group AMC Chello Zone.

Former BitTorrent licensing exec Reid becomes vice president, sales and business development at the streaming firm, and Natasha Roberton has joined as vice president, marketing.

Dublin-based The QYou recently completed a C$10.4 million (US$7.9 million) funding round and is looking to expand, said Ehrlich.

“The internet has given rise to a new era of imaginative snack-sized content which is steadily becoming a core part of people’s entertainment diet,” he added. “Now operators are waking up to the fact that having this content available on their services can satisfy growing consumer tastes for varied videos, delivered in a way that’s consistent with a premium TV experience.

“With the addition of Bob, Amory, and Natasha to our executive team, we’re better positioned than ever to expand The QYou’s footprint into a range of new markets.”