Katrina Cukaj, an Ad-Sales Veteran From Warner and CNN, Joins Fox

Katrina Cukaj, a veteran ad-sales executive who rose to some of the highest positions at the former WarnerMedia and its predecessor companies and developed a deep knowledge of how to sell commercials on CNN to potential sponsors, is joining Fox Corporation as an executive vice president of advertising sales and portfolio marketing.

Her hire marks one of the most significant by Jeff Collins, who was named president of ad sales, marketing and partnerships in January.

Cukaj will oversee ad-sales strategy for Fox Entertainment’s linear and digital outlets, as well as advanced ad products, brand partnerships and negotiations during the industry’s annual “upfront” sales process.

“I am thrilled to welcome Katrina to the Fox Ad Sales team,” said Collins, in a statement. “She is an outstanding leader who has a well-earned reputation as an innovator as well as a dedicated and trusted partner to agencies and clients alike. I look forward to the positive impact she will have on our business and our team.”

The arrival of Cukaj may represent a quiet makeover of some of the senior ad-sales ranks at Fox. Suzanne Sullivan, who oversaw ad sales and partnerships for Fox Entertainment, quietly retired in recent weeks, according to a spokesperson for Fox. Audrey Steele, a key executive overseeing ad-sales research, left Fox earlier in the year.

Before joining Fox, Cukaj was executive vice president of sales and client relationships at WarnerMedia, running a large team of sales, marketing, strategic planning, research, and creative executives who worked with the company’s biggest advertisers and media buyers. She also e oversaw revenue streams tied to linear TV, digital, direct response and advanced advertising, and was responsible for leading cross platform sales strategies.

During her time at WarnerMedia, Cukaj led a team directly involved with editorial and business strategies for the company’s news, entertainment, kids & family and young adult divisions. Earlier in her career, Cukaj directly supervised sales efforts for CNN, which included lining up sponsors for the network’s documentary films and original series.

“I am so pleased to join Jeff and his team and help build on their incredible momentum and looking forward to partnering with our advertisers to find impactful ways to connect their brands to Fox Entertainment’s world-class content and engaged fans,” said Cukaj, in a statement.

She will begin her new role on October 29, 2024.