Emap Poaches Five’s Pullan For Top Job At FHM

David Pullan will this month leave his position as strategy and marketing director at Channel Five to become world-wide managing director of FHM at publishing giant Emap.

The move marks the latest high-level departure for Five, following those of chief executive Dawn Airey and deputy chief executive Nick Milligan, both of whom recently jumped ship to join BSkyB (see NewsLine).

Pullan’s new position at Emap will see him charged with expanding the company’s leading men’s title, FHM. The publishing giant is believed to be preparing expansion of the title in to the Chinese market, a task which will almost certainly fall within the new worldwide managing director’s remit.

Among the key achievements credited to Pullan during his time at Five was the company’s rebranding from Channel 5 in 2002. The broadcaster’s chief executive, Jane Lighting said: “The vision and energy he displayed in rebranding us Five significantly changed perceptions of the channel among viewers and the media alike. We’re very sorry to lose him but understand his desire to take on a larger brief which will allow him to use his many abilities in a wider role.”

Last month Five’s largest shareholder, RTL, said that the broadcaster needed to forge closer links with commercial rivals if it is to survive in the increasingly competitive multi-channel environment. The announcement follows speculation of a merger between Five and Channel 4, a prospect which has raised eyebrows among media circles as ITV indicated it may bid for Channel 4 to prevent such a merger (see ITV Could Bid For Channel 4 In Run Up To Merger With Five).

Emap: 01733 568 900 www.emap.co.uk Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv

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