Sunset+Vine, the UK-based television sports production and media company, has appointed Duncan East as its new chief executive.

He takes up the role immediately and will be based in the firm’s London office. East takes over from Peter Angell, who departed last month after almost two-and-a-half years in charge.

East will focus on scaling the company’s international presence, deepening strategic partnerships with rights holders, and integrating live, original, and digital-native content.

He joins Sunset+Vine from London-based media company Buzz16, where he was managing director and, more recently, executive director. 

East previously spent 20 years at pay-TV giant Sky Sports. During his long stint with the major broadcaster, he worked his way up to the position of director of creative output, overseeing production of flagship properties such as English soccer’s Premier League and the UEFA Champions League club competition.

Sunset+Vine, which is owned by the Tinopolis Group, said East’s appointment is part of the company’s evolution into a “digital-first, multi-platform media business.”

Jeff Foulser, chairman of Sunset+Vine said: “We have built a business over many years that has been trusted and favoured by broadcasters, rights holders, and sports federations, and I am really excited by Duncan’s passion and drive to maintain and grow our reputation as an innovator in the modern world.”

Jennifer Roberts, CEO of the Tinopolis Group, added: “Duncan is an experienced leader who instinctively understands the craft and commercial engine of modern sports media.

“As Sunset+Vine scales its international footprint, Duncan’s reputation as an innovator and ability to turn ideas into reality will be instrumental in defining our next era of growth.”

Sunset+Vine provides a variety of services such as host broadcasting, rights holder production, and multi-platform digital content.

The firm has contracts to produce Champions League and tennis coverage for the Amazon Prime Video streaming service and the World Snooker Championships for the BBC public-service broadcaster.