All3’s Caudell switches to Channel 4 in rejig

Ben Caudell is leaving All3Media’s Objective Productions for UK broadcaster Channel 4 little more than six months after joining.

Caudell (left) has been hired as Channel 4’s head of entertainment as part of a restructure, and will report to the broadcaster’s head of factual entertainment, Liam Humphreys.

The previous incumbent, Justin Gorman, exited in April as the plans for the restructure were drawn up.

Caudell had joined The Cube creator Objective from Endemol-owned Zeppetron (Black Mirror), where he was creative director and a company co-founder, in August last year.

The Channel 4 restructure sees the departure of entertainment commissioner Madeleine Knight, who is leaving “to pursue other opportunities” after five years with the public service channel.

Syeda Irtizaali remains in her entertainment commissioning role, now reporting to Caudell, and a new editor will be added to the team.

Furthermore, a new commissioning editor for live events and sports role has been created, with entertainment commissioner Tom Beck stepping into the post. He will report to Ed Havant, head of sport and TV events and sport.

“Ben’s appointment heralds a new era of entertainment at 4. He’s a wonderfully eclectic creative and couldn’t feel a better fit with the channel,” said Channel 4’s chief creative officer Jay Hunt. “In live events, Tom will champion the sort of big set piece events the channel has started to own.”

“I’m sorry to be leaving Objective so soon, but the opportunity to be a part of the new wave of entertainment at Channel 4 has proved too exciting,” said Caudell.

“I look forward to working with Liam, the entertainment team, and all the amazing performers and producers involved in Channel 4’s entertainment output to make sure we keep its great shows great, and hopefully add some exciting new ideas into to the mix.”