UKTV hires Darren Childs as chief exec

UKTV has confirmed the appointment of Darren Childs, former managing director of BBC Worldwide Channels, as its new chief executive.

Childs will take up his new post at the start of September, replacing David Abraham, who stepped down to become Channel 4 chief executive in April.

Speaking about Child's departure, Worldwide chief executive John Smith said: "Darren's time with us has been hugely successful and he has spearheaded the growth of our BBC branded channels around the world while maintaining an impressive increase in sales and profit.

"With a strong background in delivering growth for a large channel portfolio, along with high level experience in the television advertising market, Darren is expertly qualified for this role at an exciting time for UKTV. While we are sad that Darren is moving over to UKTV, I believe he is the right man to take the business forward."

Childs, who has been a director at UKTV since 2006, said that he has been "consistently impressed" by the broadcaster's employees, products and values.

"UKTV already has ten successful and established channel brands and the growth possibilities are substantial," he added.

"This is an exciting time to lead UKTV. Creating innovative new commercial models made available to broadcasters through the recent evolution in digital delivery and changes in audience demand will add further edge and continue to secure UKTV's place as the owner and creator of must-have brands for audiences, platforms advertisers and shareholders alike."

UKTV, which is jointly owned by Virgin Media and BBC Worldwide, has also hired former Virgin Media finance director Jan Gooze-Zijl as its new chief financial officer. He will start in the role in September.

Childs said: "Jan and I have worked closely on the board of UKTV and I am very pleased that Jan has agreed to help me execute the next stage of UKTV's growth plan."

Also in September, Virgin Media's recently appointed chief financial officer Eamonn O'Hare will take up the chairman role at UKTV in addition to his duties at the cable operator.

As part of the joint ownership deal between Worldwide and Virgin Media, the UKTV chair alternates on an annual basis between the shareholders.

O'Hare said: "UKTV has created some of the most recognised and most loved brands in TV. They've had a tremendous year so we look forward to working with Darren and the team to build upon this success.

"The way in which we're entertained at home and on the move is changing. This evolving digital landscape offers exciting new challenges and opportunities for channels with powerful identities, such as those run by UKTV."

Separately, Virgin Media is reportedly considering selling its 50% stake in UKTV, with Worldwide, Channel 4 and Sky among the leading contenders.