Caroline Cooper

Caroline Cooper is Director of Finance, Sky UK, looking after the Content and Commercial Businesses which includes Sports, Entertainment and Media. Prior to Sky, Caroline spent 10 years at ITV plc, most recently as Finance Director of ITV Studios. Alongside her finance responsibilities Caroline is a non-executive on a number of TV production company boards including Jupiter Entertainment, Love and Blast and the Sky and A&E JV, AETN UK.

What is it about the banking and finance industry that you enjoy the most?

I have always relished the fact that a finance job can be almost anything you want it to be. I am very commercially minded and have always been able to shape my roles to be very operationally focused and very integral to key business decisions – not just on the numbers side.

Working with stakeholders can be challenging. What is your top tip for working well with others?

Being able to flex your style both to the individuals involved and the situation. I can’t stress how important it is to get to know well the people you work closest with as it gives you the best chance at being able to influence a positive outcome from any situation.

What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?

Take control of your destiny – don’t expect things to always come to you. If you set yourself a goal then you need to take a proactive approach in making it happen – and this can involve taking a leap into the unknown.

Parenthood comes with many challenges – what is one way workplaces can better support new mothers and fathers?

As a mother of two small children I feel the challenges of juggling everything very acutely. For me one really important factor is for companies to develop a culture of flexible working and trust where its OK to get to sports day, parents evening etc and work smartly. Sky, in my view, does this very well but has worked really hard to make it a reality

Where is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I am a very amateur but enthusiastic surfer so anywhere with waves! Sri Lanka is a current favourite as its beaches are equally fabulous for children.