Whisper has appointed Derek Scobie as its first general manager of sales in the US. The appointment follows the company’s return to 100% private ownership after the buyback from Sony Pictures Television and forms part of its international expansion plans.
Scobie joins Whisper after 15 years at Google and YouTube, where he worked on premium content monetisation, Connected TV growth and creator economy initiatives. Prior to YouTube, he held global roles at P&G and Unilever. His experience includes live sports, entertainment, brand development and advertising.
Based in California, Scobie will be responsible for expanding Whisper’s North American commercial operations. He will build on the company’s work with US sports properties and brands, including EA and the NFL. He will oversee revenue and monetisation strategies across Whisper’s US operations, which include motorsport events in Formula 1 and Formula E, and support the company’s sports and entertainment portfolio.
Scobie will also work on developing creative partnerships, including Whisper’s collaborations with US production companies Religion of Sports and Artists Equity. His remit includes developing products and commercial opportunities for streaming platforms and rights holders.
The appointment follows a series of senior leadership hires at Whisper, including strategic sales director Chris Hatton, chief brand officer Fiona Morgan, chief people and operating officer Jenny Collins, and general counsel Ronu Miah.
Working alongside US-based advisory board member Tina Shah, Scobie will focus on media partnerships in North America. He will also work closely with US-based head of documentaries Drew Masters on the development of premium unscripted intellectual property.
Sunil Patel, founder and chief executive officer of Whisper, said: “Derek is an exceptional commercial leader who understands the future of media and American audiences. We need leaders who know how to unlock opportunities across traditional broadcast and also next-gen digital ecosystems. Derek’s incredible track record at Google and YouTube, combined with his relentless focus on the creator economy and brand publishing, makes him the perfect fit to spearhead our US growth. He brings the exact ‘Make it Happen’ energy required to scale our footprint and connect iconic North American brands with our story-led entertainment approach.”
Derek Scobie, general manager of sales for Whisper, added: “The culture-defining power of sports and premium entertainment properties continues to grow, as technology brings new ways for fans to connect and contribute to the things they love. Meeting those expectations requires accelerated change across the content production landscape, and Whisper has already proven itself as an innovator through its work with leagues, brands and rights holders. I’m grateful to Sunil for the opportunity to lead growth in the US, where Whisper’s ability to move fast and execute flawlessly put it in pole position to lead market shift across genres and formats.”
