Sky appoints Cassy to oversee 3D output

Sky has promoted John Cassy to the newly-created role of director of Sky 3D, with James Hunt replacing him as director of Sky Arts.

Cassy, who was also previously director of the Sky 3D channel, will start his new role immediately, reporting to Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis.

He will help build Sky's 3D lineup by commissioning and acquiring new content from home and abroad, including films, live sport and entertainment programming. He will also work with Sky's channel partners looking to embrace 3D.

Cassy has overseen the Sky 3D channel since it launched last October as Europe's first dedicated 3D network. It was announced today that Kylie's Aphrodite tour will get its TV premiere on the channel this summer, along with a raft of other new programming.

"John has led the transformation of Sky Arts to become a brand that has deservedly built a reputation for offering the very best of contemporary and classical arts," said Francis.

"We look forward to drawing on John's creative and commercial flair to help take Sky 3D forward in what is an incredibly dynamic and stimulating field."

Cassy added: "Everyone at Sky is extremely excited about the long-term opportunities of 3D and we're intent on giving customers a whole new viewing experience.

"I'm delighted to be at the forefront of such an innovative and creatively exciting opportunity for Sky. Sky Arts has some fantastic plans in the pipeline and it will be a wrench to leave [after] seven thoroughly enjoyable years but I'll be cheering from the sidelines as it goes on to bigger and better things."

Replacing Cassy as director of Sky Arts will be James Hunt, who has been promoted from head of programming for the UK's only dedicated arts channel brand.

Reporting to Sophie Turner Laing, Sky's managing director of entertainment, news and broadcast operations, Hunt will help further develop the Sky Arts content offering.

Turner Laing said: "I'd like to thank John for doing a fantastic job on Sky Arts and wish him the very best of luck taking Sky 3D forward. I am thrilled that James has agreed to take over the reins at Sky Arts.

"He has already proven to be a strong and creative leader for Sky Arts and we look forward to him steering the channels to new heights as it continues to deliver the best arts content from around the world."