A+E Networks expands its London-based EMEA operations with two senior executive appointments.
Kiaran Saunders (pictured) has been named VP, EMEA, and Jon Wildman has been hired in the newly created role of VP, Ad Sales, EMEA. The announcement was made by Dean Possenniskie, Managing Director, EMEA, A+E Networks, to whom both will report.
Kiaran Saunders will be responsible for A+E Networks’ growth strategy and execution, and branded channel and digital distribution across EMEA. He joins A+E Networks from Nickelodeon UK where he was VP, commercial director. At Nickelodeon, he was responsible managing distribution activity, advertising sales, and business development. Prior to that, he held senior corporate development and finance positions at Channel 4 and RSM Robson Rhodes. Saunders assumes his new role on September 1.
Wildman is responsible for overseeing and expanding A+E Networks’ ad sales operations across EMEA, working closely with A+E Networks’ channel partners, sales representatives and other stakeholders. Formerly, he worked for Sony Pictures Television where he managed Sony’s EMEA ad sales business. He has also held senior ad sales positions at Sky Media and Discovery. He starts immediately.
“A+E Networks reached a number of important milestones in EMEA last year, and these appointments reflect plans for our next phase of growth,” said Possenniskie.
“One of our primary goals is to have a portfolio of 3-6 channels in every territory. Kiaran’s commercial background is well-suited to ensuring we achieve this throughout EMEA.”
Possenniskie continued, “With a portfolio featuring some of the leading global factual and entertainment brands, ad sales is critical to our growth. Jon’s diverse advertising sales experience across both the UK and EMEA makes him the perfect fit for this position.”
