Independent production and distribution company Off the Fence has appointed Darrel James as its general manager.

James has worked in production and broadcasting for over 20 years. He was previously head of co-productions for Welsh channel S4C, controller of rights and business affairs for ITV, as well as managing director of Scottish Television’s production division.

Working out of the company’s Amsterdam headquarters, his new role will encompass deal making, staff management, business development and planning.

James said: "Off the Fence is a dynamic, internationally respected company with talented staff and partners. It is a great time to be joining Off the Fence, with so many new programmes and partnerships about to start."

Founded in 1994, the company produces natural history and science content for broadcasters like Canal Plus, Discovery, France 3, Channel 5, Animal Planet and National Geographic. It has won over 70 international industry awards for its programming in the last three years.

Ellen Windemuth, Off the Fence's founder and managing director, said: "We have a raft of new programming and initiatives that we are currently working on. Darrel’s business acumen, experience and skills will help us realise our ambitious objectives."