Tom Burton Joins Hearst Networks EMEA

Tom Burton has been appointed as Hearst Networks EMEA's Head of Commercial Partnerships based in London, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing its commercial strategy and driving growth across its broadcast and digital platforms.

Burton has a wealth of experience in content distribution, digital strategy, and commercial growth, and has had many successes driving international sales and pioneering digital initiatives.

Burton has joined from Passion Distribution, where he started as Sales Manager in 2019, managing finished and format rights to major titles such as Drag Race, Robot Wars, and Paradise Hotel across Australia, New Zealand, MENA, and Canada. He also oversaw the distributor’s global digital strategy and rights, delivering thousands of hours of content through finished sales and spearheading significant format deals, including Drag Race Down Under with Stan and TVNZ, as well as securing the deal for Drag Race to Crave.

In 2021, Burton was promoted to Senior Sales Manager of Digital Distribution, where he curated and managed Passion’s direct-to-consumer streaming SVOD and free ad-supported streaming TV service, Mech+, which featured popular titles like Robot Wars and original series Mech Mania.

"Tom's proven expertise in driving commercial growth, developing innovative content strategies, and managing digital-first initiatives makes him a fantastic addition to the Hearst Networks EMEA team," said Julie Mitchelmore, VP of Product and Commercial Partnerships at Hearst Networks EMEA. "We're excited to see how his leadership will help us forge new partnerships and unlock new opportunities across the media landscape."

Burton added: "I'm thrilled to join Hearst Networks EMEA at such an exciting time for the industry. The opportunity to build strategic partnerships, expand distribution, and drive meaningful growth aligns perfectly with my experience and passion for connecting audiences to great content."

In his new role, Burton will lead the development and management of strategic commercial relationships across the broadcast and digital media landscape, and focus on driving revenue growth, expanding distribution, and exploring new business opportunities.

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