…and why it matters for Media & Entertainment.

One of the highlights of this year’s IBC Devoncroft Executive Summit in Amsterdam was seeing Tyrone Donnelly from Sky on stage, leading the discussion on FinOps in Media & Entertainment. For me personally, it was more than just another panel, it was a reminder of the power of long-term partnerships and the way careers evolve in our industry. 

I first worked with Tyrone back in 2007, when we placed him on his very first contract assignment with Sky.   Since then, our paths have crossed many times and supporting him in finding further roles both in the UK and in the Middle East. It has been a privilege to watch his career develop over nearly two decades. Today, he leads a team of 80+ at Sky and is responsible for overseeing their group platform infrastructure and FinOps practices for Media & Entertainment. To see him share that expertise on stage, in front of an industry audience, was inspiring and a proud moment. 

Why FinOps Is now a Core Skillset in M&E 

The discussion Tyrone contributed to could not be more relevant. Financial operations (FinOps) is no longer a back-office consideration – it’s a strategic enabler. As more of the Media & Entertainment supply chain shifts toward cloud, SaaS, and OpEx-based consumption models, the ability to monitor, optimise, and govern cloud spend has become mission-critical. 

What we’re seeing is that FinOps is now a role in its own right – not just a finance responsibility, and not purely a technical one. It’s a blend of commercial acumen, operational oversight, and technical awareness. The very best FinOps leaders are those who can connect cost transparency with business decision-making, ensuring spend is not only managed but aligned to long-term strategy. 

For M&E organisations, that makes FinOps both a competitive differentiator and a new talent challenge! 

Building FinOps capability: Scoping Requirements & New Talent 

Media companies are now considering creating FinOps-specific roles for the first time. Some may consider trying and hire from within the industry, drawing on people with a mix of engineering, commercial, and financial backgrounds. Others are bringing in expertise from adjacent sectors, such as telecoms, enterprise IT, or cloud services, where FinOps practices are more mature. 

This is where Christy Media comes in. With over 20 years’ experience of recruiting for Sky and many of the industry’s leading broadcasters, service providers, and media technology vendors, we have a deep understanding of how these roles in our industry are always evolving.  We’ve also seen firsthand how careers like Tyrone’s can grow and transform over time, which is why we know what to look for when helping our clients hire into new disciplines like FinOps. 

Whether you’re looking to bring in a dedicated FinOps specialist, or you want to upskill your team by finding hybrid talent from adjacent industries, we can help you identify, attract, and secure the right people. 

Closing Thoughts 

The Devoncroft Summit reinforced just how fast our industry is changing and how important it is to build the right skills for the future. FinOps is no longer optional. It’s central to how M&E organisations will compete, grow, and innovate in a cloud-first world. 

And as I was reminded while watching Tyrone on stage, finding the right talent, at the right time, can make all the difference. At Christy Media, we’re proud to have been part of that journey, and we look forward to helping organisations identify their future FinOps leaders. 

Written by Christian Magill, CEO