ESPN hires Sony exec to replace Frank

ESPN has hired Sony executive Ross Hair as the new boss of its UK operation to replace the outgoing Lynne Frank.

Hair, who is currently executive vice president of international networks for Sony Pictures Television, will become ESPN's new managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

According to reports, ESPN's international executive vice president Russell Wolff will oversee the UK channels until Hair starts later in the year.

Frank oversaw the launch of ESPN's main UK channel last year after picking up the Premier League rights previously owned by collapsed broadcaster Setanta.

In April, she confirmed her intention to return to her native America for family reasons.

Frank will join Warner Bros Pictures in the newly-created role of executive vice-president of international marketing.

Before joining Sony, the British-born Hair was director of strategic planning at ESPN Star Sports, the Asian joint venture between Disney and News Corp.