UKTV restructure: North and Watsham take on bigger remits

In brief

UKTV execs Steve North and Richard Watsham have been given expanded remits as part of a restructure.

Steve North (pictured, above right), chief programming officer, will take on responsibility for UKTV’s full portfolio of channel brands. He currently oversees Dave, Gold, W and Yesterday and will continue to manage the combined BBC Studios and UKTV global compliance team.

Richard Watsham, director of commissioning, will oversee the broadcaster’s content pipeline, alongside his current commissioning remit. His new role will be chief creative officer, UKTV and global director of acquisitions, BBC Studios/UKTV.

The role changes will take effect from next month and follow the departure of UKTV veteran Adrian Wills, who is leaving as general manager of global acquisition. Wills, who has been at UKTV for over 25 years, is credited with overseeing the launch of Drama and 2013 and the channels that became Alibi, Yesterday and Eden.