Jonathan Webb appointed executive director of Virgin Media Television

Virgin Media has appointed Jonathan Webb to the role of executive director of Virgin Media Television (VMtv) following the departure of CEO Malcolm Wall.

The move follows reports that Virgin Media has begun the sale of its content division, including VMtv and its advertising sales house ids; however, it is understood that it will not be selling its 50% stake in UKTV until more is known about a possible deal between joint owner BBC Worldwide and Channel 4 (see Lord Carter plays down C4/BBC Worldwide proposals).

Webb will be responsible for leading the continued development of the company’s portfolio of multiplatform entertainment brands, including Living, Virgin 1, Bravo and Challenge.

Webb, who was appointed managing director of VMtv in November 2006, will report directly to Virgin Media CEO, Neil Berkett and, in addition to his responsibilities in relation to VMtv, will assume overall management of ids, Virgin Media Television’s advertising sales house.

Neil Berkett, CEO Virgin Media said: I’m delighted that Jonathan has agreed to take on this new challenge. In recent years, LIVING, Bravo, Virgin1 and Challenge have established themselves as the strongest brands in multichannel television and, under Jonathan’s leadership, I’m confident that they can become stronger still.”