Channel 4 poaches BBC's scheduling chief

Channel 4 has again dipped into the BBC for creative talent, poaching BBC One's head of scheduling George Dixon to become its new channel management chief.

As head of channel management, Dixon will oversee a £500 million programme budget across Channel 4's portfolio of channels, along with on-demand service 4OD. He replaces Rosemary Newell, who recently announced that she would step down from Channel 4 after nearly 14 years.

Dixon will also report to former controller of BBC One Jay Hunt, who will officially join Channel 4 in January as the broadcaster's new chief creative officer.

"After five absolutely fantastic years scheduling BBC One and having worked across all of the BBC Vision channels, now is the right time for me to take on this exciting new challenge," said Dixon.

"The chance to join an iconic broadcaster such as Channel 4 as it embarks on the next chapter was an opportunity too good to miss."

Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham added: "George's career has been defined by his pioneering and innovative approach to scheduling. His work has created real impact with audiences; from the UK premiere of 24 to the relaunch of Top Gear and the stripped event scheduling pattern for BBC One drama.

"George is a creative at the top of his game and I look forward to him leading the scheduling strategy for the entire Channel 4 portfolio across linear and interactive media."

Since January 2006, Dixon has been head of scheduling for BBC Vision, with a specific focus on the scheduling and commissioning strategy for BBC One.