Sammon to lead Sky's factual entertainment

Sky has appointed former Living TV Group executive Mark Sammon to the newly-created role of head of factual entertainment.

Reporting to Sky's director of programmes Stuart Murphy, Sammon will be responsible for driving forward the commissioning of factual entertainment shows for Sky1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic and Sky Arts.

Previously, he was head of commissioning for the Sky-owned Living TV Group, helping to bring on a raft of programmes, such as Four Weddings and Dating in The Dark.

"Sky's commitment and passion for originated content makes it the only place I'd want to be right now," said Sammon.

Murphy added: "Mark has enormous passion and a very sharp eye for original content - exactly the sort of judgement we pride ourselves on at Sky. I'm thrilled he joins the team at a hugely exciting time as we continue our commitment to UK production."

Sammon is among the few senior Living TV Group executives to survive Sky's management cull at the broadcaster, which most recently resulted in the departure of director of television Claudia Rosencrantz.