Channel 4 hires new channel controller

Channel 4 has hired former Channel 5 executive Richard Brent to become its new channel manager.

In his new role, Brent will be responsible for co-ordinating Channel 4's programming and scheduling activities, working alongside E4 and More4 channel manager Paul Mortimer and Film4 channel manager Julia Wrigley.

He will report directly to controller of channel management George Dixon, who joined Channel 4 in November after five years at the BBC.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Channel 4 - 2011 is going to be an exciting year and I am looking forward to working with the commissioning teams to help deliver the best core channel schedule we can in the coming year," said Brent.

Channel 4's chief executive David Abraham added: "Richard has a strong track record in dynamic and effective scheduling, and we are delighted that he will be joining our team of channel managers, to bring his expertise to the core channel."

Brent joined Channel 5 in 2007 and his most recent role was head of planning and scheduling, overseeing Channel 5, Fiver and Five USA. Previously, he acted as schedule manager for BBC One between 2004 and 2006.