Channel 4 Signs ITV Boss To Drive VOD Plans
Channel 4 has poached ITV’s general manager for digital channels, Sarah Rose, to spearhead the development of its video on-demand (VOD) products.
Rose will take up the newly created role of head of channel and VOD development, reporting to Rod Henwood, new business director at Channel 4, with responsibility for developing the broadcaster’s multi-channel portfolio and video-on-demand strategy.
The move follows Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan’s speech to the Oxford Media Convention earlier this month, in which he outlined the broadcaster’s intention to widen its offering across as many platforms as possible (see Duncan Asserts Importance Of PSB For Channel 4).
The appointment will propel the Channel 4 brand “into a multi-channel, multi-platform world,” the broadcaster said, with Rose’s new role partly covering the remit of Dan Brooke, Channel 4’s recently departed controller of digital channels.
Commenting on the appointment, Henwood said: “Channel 4 is about to embark on an exciting period of development particularly in the areas of new channel growth and VOD products and services. This new role is critical to the long-term success of our new business strategy and Sarah’s experience makes her the perfect candidate for this challenging role.
“Channel 4 faces a challenging future and we need to act now to develop our digital presence so we can remain a significant presence in a multi-channel world. I am delighted Sarah will be joining our team, and know she will be a huge asset to the development of our ambitious plans in this area.”
Prior to joining Channel 4, Rose was general manager of ITV digital channels, holding responsibility for all aspects of the broadcaster’s operational and commercial performance within the digital TV sector. Rose began her career in 1996 as a graduate management trainee for Carlton, joining ITV after early experience on the launch of Carlton’s digital channels.
Looking forward to her new position, Rose said: “It’s time for a new challenge and I am delighted to be joining Channel 4 at such an exciting time in its history. I very much look forward to working with Rod and his team to further develop Channel 4’s VOD strategy and digital offering”.
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com