Advanced Television

Netflix hires Sky drama chief

November 13, 2018

Anne Mensah is joining Netflix as Vice President of Content, leading the scripted series content team focused on British productions.

Mensah, who has most recently served as Director of Drama at Sky Studios and was formerly a longtime BBC executive, comes to Netflix as it continues to invest in local programming across the UK, Europe and the world. Based in London, she will oversee the team that develops and creates UK-based original series for the global entertainment service, and will report to Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content for Netflix.

Mensah is expected to start sometime in 2019.

“Throughout her career, Anne has celebrated creative freedom, with deep passion for finding and nurturing storytelling you can’t find anywhere else,” said Holland. “The UK has some of the best television in the world and our members love it, both in the UK and around the globe. I’m delighted that Anne is joining our team to lead our continued commitment to and investment in UK talent and programming.”

Mensah was appointed Head of Drama at Sky for its entertainment channels in August 2011. Sky’s drama output under her leadership includes the Emmy-nominated Patrick Melrose starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Save Me from Lennie James, and Fortitude starring Dennis Quaid and Sophie Grabol.

Prior to joining Sky, Mensah spent ten years at the BBC, where she held a dual role as Head of Independent Drama as well as Head of Drama for BBC Scotland.

Since starting to invest in UK original productions in 2015 with six projects including Emmy Award-winning The Crown, Netflix has significantly broadened the range of projects and partners it works with across the UK. In 2018, close to 40 UK-based projects are underway between originals and co-productions.

Categories: Articles, People, Premium, Production, VOD