EXCLUSIVE: Another senior departure has hit Hearst Networks EMEA.
Kelly Hornsby, the Kursk: 10 Days That Shaped Putin channel group’s popular program acquisitions chief, is exiting after more than a decade buying shows for networks like Sky History and Crime+Investigation, sources tell Deadline.
Her exit is the second senior departure from the team this year, following true crime supremo Dan Korn, who has commissioned thousands of hours of factual shows for Sky History and Crime+Investigation over the past decade.
One buyer who works frequently with Korn and Hornsby positioned their exits as a “big loss.” We are told neither will be replaced. Hearst Networks did not respond to multiple requests for comment on Hornsby’s exit.
Hornsby joined Hearst in 2013 as Acquisitions and Commissioning Editor and worked her way up to Head of Programme Acquisitions in 2018. Recent credits include Junk & Disorderly, British X-Files and Gold Wars Downunder. She previously worked as a buyer for Paramount-owned Channel 5.
Kelly Hornsby
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Taking to LinkedIn to reveal the news, Hornsby said: “After almost 13 years, my time at Hearst Networks EMEA as Head of Programme Acquisitions has come to an end, and it’s time for a new adventure. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with some truly talented and brilliant people along the way. We’ve achieved great things and delivered content to be proud of. I’ve built strong relationships and I’m grateful that so many of you have become not only trusted colleagues and partners, but also good friends.”
She added: “As this chapter comes to a close, I’m feeling positive and excited about what’s next. I’m open to new opportunities where I can put my experience and love of great content to good use.”
Hornsby’s exit follows Korn’s, which was announced two weeks back. His credits included Royal Bastards: Rise of the Tudors and Royal Kill List.
Hearst Networks EMEA recently rebranded from A+E Networks EMEA and is run by Dean Possenniskie. Chief Creative Officer and UK boss is Heather Jones. The team recently announced a landmark World War II with Tom Hanks documentary, which will air across EMEA.
