Top UKTV exec hired to lead NBC in UK

NBC Universal has hired Laurence Dawkin-Jones, presently executive director, commercial at UKTV, as UK managing director of its global networks division.

Dawkin-Jones will lead growth of the broadcaster's channel group, which includes Sci Fi, 13th Street, the international Hallmark channels and Diva TV.

The new role will cover programming, marketing, on-air presentation, budgets and planning, technical operations and commercial.

At UKTV Dawkin-Jones was responsible for strategic direction and management of the channel group.

Roma Khanna, president of global networks and digital initiatives, to whom he will report, said: "The UK is a highly sophisticated and complex market and Laurence's considerable experience will be an important asset to the growth of NBCU's channel business in this important region."