Five appoints managing director

Mark White, Five’s executive director of sales, has been promoted to the new role of managing director.

The promotion follows White’s recent six month period as interim CEO during which he oversaw a number of projects including a refresh of Five’s on and off air identity (see Five Flagship Channel Gets New Look).

Dawn Airey, Five’s chair and chief executive, said: “Mark has made phenomenal contribution to Five over the last decade and more, and I am pleased to be able to formalise his position as my right-hand man.

“In his new role as Managing Director he will work closely with me in restructuring and revitalising Five.”

White added: “Five is full of talented people and I’m thrilled to be given the chance to manage across the business ensuring we maximise every ounce of potential in the company.”

White joined Five in 1996 as sales controller, becoming deputy sales director in 2000 and then executive director of sales in 2004, overseeing the launch of the broadcaster’s digital channels, Five US and Five Life, in 2006.

He is a director of Thinkbox, the chairman of Clearcast, and also represents Five on numerous industry committees.

Earlier today Five announced that it is launching on the free-to-air digital platform Freesat later this month (see Five due to launch on Freesat).

Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv