Jim Hytner To Join Top Up TV

Jim Hytner, Barclays’ group brand and marketing director, is to leave the bank in November to become commercial director of Top Up TV.

In his new role Hytner will be responsible for expanding Top Up TV’s commercial opportunities.

He joined Barclays in 2004, having resigned as marketing and commercial director of ITV (see Hytner Quits ITV After Three Years To Join Barclays).

Hytner’s departure from Barclays means that Deanna Oppenheimer, currently chief executive of retail banking, will take charge of the marketing department before a decision is made on long-term structure.

Top Up TV began in 2003, offering Freeview customers extra channels for a monthly subscription. It currently carries 21 channels and is adding Setanta Sports from this season.

If Sky gets the green light from Ofcom, Top Up TV could be going head-to-head with the satellite broadcaster as it recently announced plans to offer its own pay-TV channels on the Freeview platform (see New Sky Service To Lure Consumers From Free TV).

Top Up TV: 08700 543 210 www.topup.tv