Vic Wakeling, Sky’s managing director of sport and news who has been behind so many of the broadcasting innovations that has seen football in England transformed over the past 20 years, is to retire at the end of June.
Wakeling has been with Sky for nearly two decades and spent 15 years as head of Sky Sports. His role will be split into two, with Barney Francis taking over as managing director of Sky Sports.
Sophie Turner-Laing will take over responsibility for Sky News, with the head of the channel, John Ryley, now reporting to her. Turner-Laing’s new job title will be Sky managing director, entertainment and news.
Wakeling was with Sky Sports at its launch in 1991 as head of football and was part of the team that transformed BSkyB’s fortunes by snatching the first Premier League live TV rights contract from ITV the following year. He previously worked for IMG and TVS.
Wakeling said: “It has been a marvellous adventure, and it has been a privilege to be involved over a period which has seen huge changes in the broadcast industry and in sport itself.”
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