ViacomCBS hires Channel 4’s Rose as COO

ViacomCBS Networks UK has hired Channel 4’s Sarah Rose as its chief operating officer.

The experienced exec joins from the pubcaster, where she most recently served as its chief consumer and strategy officer, responsible for corporate strategy, consumer insight and data science. In total she spent more than 14 years at Channel 4, having joined in 2006 as head of VOD and channel development to oversee the launch of All4.

Prior to that, Rose started her career at ITV. There she progressed to general manager of ITV Digital, charged with responsibility for digital channels ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4.

At ViacomCBS Networks UK, she will have oversight of all UK business functions including operations, legal and business affairs, finance, HR, communications, research, broadcasting technology and VIS UK.

Rose will work alongside director of programmes, Ben Frow and chief commercial officer, Arran Tindall, and is described as having an important role in strategic planning across ViacomCBS’ UK channel portfolio.

The exec’s final responsibility will be managing industry and regulatory relationships, including ViacomCBS’s dealing with Ofcom.

Kyriacou said: “Sarah has a wealth of expertise in broadcast media and proven experience in successfully driving companies forward. This is a key role in our UK senior leadership team, overseeing the entirety of our operations and ensuring that we function at optimum efficiency. I’m delighted to welcome her on board at what is an exciting time for the business, as we continue to evolve our offering in a fast-moving media landscape.”

Rose said: “I have loved my time at Channel 4 from the first minute to the last, but am ready for a new challenge and I am so excited to have the opportunity to join a business of ViacomCBS’ international stature, and to help steer the growth of its iconic channel and digital brands in the UK.”