Richard Woolfe joins Five

Richard Woolfe is set to leave his role as Sky1 controller to join Channel Five in a newly created senior programming position.

Five’s new chief executive, Dawn Airey, persuaded Woolfe to join her team as channel controller, in charge of commissioning, scheduling and strategy.

Airey’s other recent hire, Jeff Ford, has been appointed as managing director of digital channels and acquisitions and will oversee Fiver and Five US when he takes up his post next year.

Both Woolfe and Ford will report to Airey and sit on the Five’s executive board.

Airey said: “Richard is the greatest showman working in British television today. He has a sixth sense for commissioning and producing popular programming that truly strikes a chord with viewers.”

Woolfe said: “I relish a challenge and the opportunity to reinvigorate Five with Dawn and the team is simply irresistible.

“I can’t wait to put entertainment at the heart of the channel to complement and build upon the existing successful programme brands,” he added.

Five’s current director of programmes, Ben Gale, who joined in May is set to leave the broadcaster.

Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv