Jo Osborne promoted to new head of women’s sport role at Sky Sports

The FA’s head of the women’s professional game Kelly Simmons, Steph Harries, managing director of the Women’s Sports Group, and Sky Sports’ new head of women’s sport Jo Osbourne, debate how to maximise the growth of the women’s game at Elevating Women in Sport held at Sky, London in July 2022

Sky Sports has announced the appointment of Jo Osborne as head of women’s sport, which is a significant new role for the broadcaster.

Over the past two years, Osborne – formerly executive producer – has played an important role in driving the insight and learnings that have helped to shape Sky Sports’ approach to women’s sport.

As the broadcaster looks to build on the hard work it has already done to establish its position and reputation as a large UK broadcaster and investor in women’s sport, it has decided that the time is right to develop this work into a permanent, dedicated role.

With a remit to work across the business, wider Sky and the industry, Osborne will help to drive that interest and grow Sky Sports’ audiences.

Reporting to Anna Kessel, executive director, development, and working collaboratively with Steve Smith, executive director, content, Osborne will add to the business in delivering the best way forward for all fans of sport in the UK and Ireland.

Sky Sports managing director, Jonathan Licht, said: “At Sky Sports, we are proud of our women’s sport coverage, and strong portfolio of rights. We want to grow that investment with a clear strategy that helps tell our story and make Sky Sports famous for being the home of women’s sport.”

Osborne commented: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time for women’s sport. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the business and our partners to grow and champion our women’s sport rights and bring this exciting content to an even wider audience.”

2023 is another big year for live women’s sport on Sky Sports across its entire sports portfolio, including WSL and SWPL football, Women’s Ashes, Solheim Cup, Netball Super League, Netball World Cup, US Open tennis, The Hundred and more.

Osborne will be speaking at SVG Europe’s Football Summit 2023 in Paris on 22 March 2023.