UKTV appoints Darren Childs as new CEO

UKTV has named BBC Worldwide managing director Darren Childs as its new chief executive officer.

Childs will start in September, and will be replacing David Abraham, who stepped down in April of this year to become chief executive of Channel 4.

Childs has been a director of UKTV since 2006.

The broadcaster is an independent commercial joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Virgin Media – although Virgin Media have recently put their 50% stake up for sale.

UKTV is the owner of channels including Dave, Gold, and Good Food, and was formed in 1997.

Childs says: “This is an exciting time to lead UKTV. Creating innovative new commercial models made available to broadcasters through the recent evolution in digital delivery and changes in audience demand will add further edge and continue to secure UKTV’s place as the owner and creator of must have brands for audiences, platforms advertisers and shareholders alike.”

UKTV has also named Jan Gooze-Zijl as its new chief financial officer.

Gooze-Zijl  is currently finance director for planning at Virgin Media. He will join UKTV in September.