Paramount rejigs in UK with Sarah Rose named president of C5

Sarah Rose

Paramount Global’s Sarah Rose has been promoted to become president of Channel 5 in the UK, marking the latest rejig for the US studio’s management team in the country.

Rose will oversee the linear channel and its associated streamer My5, while retaining her remit across Paramount’s pay TV brands in the country.

Ben Frow remains as chief content officer, reporting into Rose and Paramount topper George Cheeks.

The promotion comes a week after news that Maria Kyriacou would be stepping down as Paramount Global president after a four-year stint. She had previously led the free-to-air channels.

Paramount has been in cost-cutting mode for the past year and recently unveiled plans to cut international originals for its streamer amid a refocusing on its Hollywood output.

Hundreds of jobs are being cut as part of the overhaul, which comes as rumours swirl over Paramount’s future.

Pam Kaufman, Paramount Global’s president & CEO of international, said in a memo that Rose’s “skills and expertise will further our strategic priorities in a meaningful way.”

Rose had worked for Channel 4 before joining Paramount in 2020 and was most recently chief operating & commercial officer for broadcast UK and international studios.

Kaufman added that the UK “is a critical and priority market for Paramount and we continue to see success across our portfolio, from Channel 5 and My5 to Paramount+, Pluto TV and our iconic pay TV brands.”