McHenry gets tapped as investment director for Sky Media
Sky Media, the advertising sales division of Sky, has announced the appointment of Steve McHenry as its new investment director, effective from August 2025. This development follows the departure of Ruth Cartwright, the former commercial chief, at the end of March 2025.
McHenry’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster Sky Media’s leadership team, particularly as the media industry continues to evolve with a focus on digital and innovative advertising solutions.
Steve McHenry brings a wealth of experience to Sky Media, having spent 12 years at Yahoo, where he most recently served as the UK country manager. His tenure at Yahoo included various leadership roles, such as director of UK trading and head of UK sales at Verizon Media, which was rebranded as Yahoo in 2023.
Before Yahoo, McHenry worked at Disney, where he was instrumental in launching DisneyMedia+, a platform that unified all of Disney’s media assets into a single client offering. His career began at IDS, a television sales house, where he spent nine years before transitioning to Disney.
McHenry’s extensive background in both traditional and digital media positions him well to lead Sky Media’s investment strategy. His experience in launching innovative platforms and driving growth is expected to be a significant asset for the company.
In his new role, McHenry will report directly to Brett Aumuller, managing director of Sky Media, and will be a key member of the senior leadership team. He will oversee the investment team, which is set to expand with the addition of Rufina Lawani as the director of investment for Manchester, starting on May 6, 2025. This appointment is part of Sky Media’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership and enhance its commercial capabilities.
Brett Aumuller expressed his enthusiasm for McHenry’s appointment, stating, “I am very pleased to announce Steve’s appointment to the Sky Media leadership team. His wealth of experience and industry knowledge, coupled with a strong track record for delivering growth and driving efficiency, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve Sky Media. I look forward to seeing him play a significant role in our future journey.”
Steve McHenry shared his excitement about the new role, saying, “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Sky Media and cannot wait to start working across their iconic suite of brands and partners to connect advertisers to a truly unique offering. Moving back to broadcast felt like a natural next step for me, and the innovation Sky is showing in the market was a huge pull. I look forward to working with the talented team at Sky Media to continue to deliver best-in-class solutions for all their partners.”
This appointment comes at a time when the media landscape is rapidly changing, with a growing emphasis on digital and innovative advertising solutions. Sky Media’s decision to appoint McHenry, with his deep expertise in both traditional and digital media, reflects the company’s strategy to adapt to these changes. The addition of Rufina Lawani further underscores Sky Media’s commitment to building a robust and dynamic team capable of meeting the evolving needs of its clients.
The media industry is witnessing increased competition, with advertisers seeking more integrated and data-driven solutions. Sky Media’s focus on innovation, as highlighted by McHenry, aligns with these trends, positioning the company to maintain its competitive edge.
McHenry’s appointment is seen as a pivotal move for Sky Media, aiming to strengthen its market position and deliver value to its clients and partners. His role will be instrumental in driving growth, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring Sky Media remains at the forefront of the advertising industry. The company’s portfolio, which includes television, online, and on-demand platforms, offers advertisers a unique opportunity to connect with audiences, and McHenry’s leadership is expected to maximise this potential.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Comment
No comments found.