Lighting Resigns As Five CEO

Jane Lighting is to resign from her position as Five chief executive tomorrow, with Mark White, Five’s executive director of sales, serving as interim CEO until Dawn Airey takes over.

Airey, who recently left ITV (see Dawn Airey Leaves ITV For RTL), has now been confirmed as chief executive and chairman of the channel.

Lighting said: “Sometimes in business, situations occur where a common agreement over strategic direction can’t be reached and, unfortunately, on this occasion my vision for Five differs to that of RTL Group, the channel’s owner. It is for this reason I have decided to step down.

“I believe that the decision is in the best interests of the company. We part on good terms and I certainly wish Five the greatest success in the future.”

Gerhard Zeiler, CEO of RTL Group, said: “RTL Group is very grateful to Jane Lighting for her great achievements during her time as chief executive of Five.

“In a highly competitive and rapidly changing market, she led the broadcaster into profitability, kept the audience share stable and increased Five’s share of advertising revenues. Jane is a fantastic person to work with and I wish her the best of success and happiness for her future.”

Lighting joined Five in April 2003 from Flextech, the pay TV business. Her career began at distribution business, Crown Cassette Communications.

Following this Jane worked at training film company Video Arts before creating marketing and sales company Minotaur International in 1995.

Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv