BBC Three controller to leave Corporation for Sky Atlantic

Controller of BBC Three, Zai Bennett, is to leave the Corporation for a new role as director of Sky Atlantic.

Bennett joined the BBC in 2011 and has been responsible for both critical and audience successes, including seeing the channel record its all-time highest 16-34 share.

The news follows the announcement that the BBC is to move BBC Three wholly online next year as the Corporation looks to save £100 million a year.

“I’ve hugely enjoyed working at BBC Three, but this felt like an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” said Bennett.

“I will miss working with the outstanding channel and commissioning teams, the BBC is lucky to be home to some of the most creative and inspiring people in television and it’s been a privilege to learn from them in my time here.”

The BBC’s director of television, Danny Cohen, added: “Zai has been a fantastic Controller of BBC Three and has led the channel to great success, in terms of quality, awards and audience performance. He’s a true gentleman and I will miss working with him.”