UK pay-tv broadcaster, Sky Sports, has announced its first-ever head of women’s sport, promoting executive producer Jo Osborne to the role.

Osborne, who has worked at the broadcaster for over 20 years, is credited with playing a key role in shaping Sky’s women’s sports strategy.

In the new dedicated position, Osborne will join forces with executive director of development, Anna Kessel, and work collaboratively with executive director of content, Steve Smith to help establish Sky Sports as the nation’s largest broadcaster and investor in women’s sport.

Additionally, she will work across the wider network of Sky businesses to grow Sky’s audience and interest in this area.

Commenting on the appointment, Osborne said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time for women’s sport.”

“I look forward to working with my colleagues across the business and our partners to grow and champion our women’s sport rights and bring this exciting content to an even wider audience,” she said.

Sky Sports managing director, Jonathan Licht, added: “At Sky Sports we are proud of our women’s sport coverage, and strong portfolio of rights.”

“We want to grow that investment with a clear strategy that helps tell our story and make Sky Sports famous for being the home of women’s sport,” he said.

Sky’s extensive portfolio of women’s sports rights currently includes soccer’s Women’s Super League, cricket’s Women’s Ashes and The Hundred, the Netball Super League and World Cup, and the US Open Tennis.

This announcement comes after Sky Sports extended their ICC partnership until 2031.