Sky confirms two new leadership appointments for Sky News Group

David Rhodes has been appointed Executive Chairman of the division, while Jonathan Levy assumes the role of Managing Director and Executive Editor of Sky News UK.

27 FEB 2023

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Sky has announced two appointments to a new leadership structure that will guide the broader Sky News Group organisation into the future. “I am delighted with these appointments, which will ensure that we continue to produce eye-catching journalism of which we can all be proud," Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sky, said. "David has a wealth of commercial experience, strategic insight and digital acumen and Jonathan is a highly experienced news executive with first class judgement and a successful track record of editorial delivery at Sky. Together they will ensure that innovation and dynamism is coupled with rock solid journalism.” 

David Rhodes has been appointed Executive Chairman, Sky News Group. The executive will be tasked with overseeing Sky’s news services across EMEA. This pan-European role will prioritize the development of a long-term commercial strategy for both Sky News UK and TG24 in Italy. Under his new role, Rhodes will report to Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios. He brings in more than 25 years of experience in journalism, including eight years as President of CBS News.  He previously led Bloomberg Television in the US and has also done advisory work with the L.A. Times, Spotify, and BCG.  He initially began his tenure with Sky as Group Director of International Business Development from News UK in 2021. “It is a great honor to be appointed to lead the Sky News Group," David Rhodes, Executive Chairman, Sky News Group, said. "Throughout my career I've admired Sky's commitment to accurate, impartial, high-quality journalism. Together we will bring this important news coverage to audiences around the UK, Europe, and the wider world.”   

The restructure also includes the appointment of Jonathan Levy as Managing Director and Executive Editor of Sky News UK. He will now be responsible for the journalism aspect of all UK Platforms including digital, TV and audio. He will also oversee a global pool of more than 500 journalists, and will be responsible for upholding Sky News UK’s reputation for "accuracy and impartiality." Levy has been in the role of Director of Newsgathering and Operations with the organization since 2011 and was previously Head of Politics - helping to successfully negotiate Britain's first televised Prime Ministerial debates. Levy and Giuseppe De Bellis, Managing Director and Executive Editor, TG24, will report into Rhodes. Jonathan Levy, Managing Director and Executive Editor, Sky News UK, said: “It’s the greatest privilege to lead Sky News’ journalism when there’s such an urgent need for impartial and independent reporting and analysis. There is an exceptional team of journalists here with a burning passion for hard-hitting visual storytelling. With investment in our journalism and audiences growing on all our platforms , there's never been a better time for news at Sky.”  

The modifications were approved by the Sky News Editorial Board and both Rhodes and Levy will be responsible for Sky News’ integrity and editorial independence.  Changes are confirmed following the announcement of John Ryley's departure this past December, following a 17-year tenure. "The last 12 months have shown that Sky News' impartial, independent journalism has never been more important," Nigel Baker, Chair of the Sky News Editorial Board, said. "The Board values the commitment of David and Jonathan to maintaining the integrity of Sky News and ensuring its original, eyewitness journalism reaches millions of people every day."  

I am delighted with these appointments, which will ensure that we continue to produce eye-catching journalism of which we can all be proud.” Dana Strong Group Chief Executive Officer, Sky