Objective names new CEO as Newman exits

All3Media-owned Objective Productions has named a new CEO after Andrew Newman became the latest top-level creative executive to exit the Peep Show prodco.

Layla Smith is transferring from All3 sister prodco John Stanley Productions, where she had been for two years, to become Objective’s new chief.

Prior to John Stanley, which All3 runs with Little Britain star Matt Lucas, Smith was ITV’s controller of entertainment for seven years.

Newman will hand over the post while continuing to oversee series such as the final season of Channel 4 comedy Peep Show and latest season of newer hit Toast of London.

He has been with the firm since 2009, joining from broadcaster Channel 4, becoming CEO in January 2011.

His departure follows those of Andrew O’Connor, Paul Sandler, Matt Crook and Adam Adler, who left recently to launch new ITVS label Cats on the Roof Media.

It also follows the exit of Michael Vine, who left in September last year after creating the firm with O’Connor in 1996 and sold it to All3 eleven years later.

The exits have all followed the deal that saw Discovery Communications and Liberty Global partner by buy All3 last year for £550 million (US$858.8 million).

“Objective produces some of the most popular, award winning and innovative comedy and entertainment programmes and I would like to thank Andrew for his significant contribution to the company over the past six years,” said All3 CEO Jane Turton.

“Layla Smith has the perfect mix of talent, experience and passion to lead Objective towards future growth and continued success both here and in the US.”

In further changes triggered by Newman’s exit, Objective commercial and finance director Stuart Duthie has been promoted to managing director after nearly a decade with the producer.

“Objective is a hugely vibrant, creative company so I feel honoured and excited to be joining the team and building on Andrew’s great work to date,” said Smith. “I’m really looking forward to working with Stuart and overseeing the next chapter in Objective’s story.”

John Stanley founder Lucas and All3 are now working to find a new CEO. “In the meantime there’s a great team in place at JSP care-taking current projects such as Marley’s Ghost and Bull for UKTV,” said a spokeswoman.