All3 poaches A+E exec for new US office

The international arm of All3Media is opening an office in the US and has recruited seasoned distribution execs from A+E and elsewhere to run the new operation.

Sally Habbershaw has joined All3Media International from A+E and will oversee the new office as executive VP, sales and coproductions North America.

Maria Ishak has also been hired. The former Passion exec joins from Blue Chalk Media and will be vice president, sales, North America.

The new office is All3Media International’s first regional sales outpost.

The office, in New York, will open later this month. Habbershaw will report to All3Media International chief Steve Macallister, who said opening region-specific offices was one of his key aims.

It is understood an Asian office will also open this year.

“Establishing a dedicated sales office in North America is a significant landmark in our ongoing expansion as we further our commitment to offering a world-class, regionally focused approach to distribution and customer service,” Macallister said.

“The appointment of an executive of Sally’s calibre, with her wealth of experience across multiple streams of content distribution, alongside Maria, who has extensive knowledge and expertise in sales to North America, underlines our strong ambitions in this extremely important market.”

Habbershaw who was VP, international programming at A+E, will oversee programme sales and coproduction from the US base. She said: “All3Media International’s ever-widening slate of original and innovative programmes and formats, alongside a roster of exciting content in development, represents a fantastic opportunity for growth in North America.”

Her previous roles include VP, acquisitions, scheduling and promotions at AMC Networks-owned SundanceTV and WEtv Global, and director of development at VH1.