Shake-up as Lygo unveils ITV’s new team

ITV has unveiled a raft of new senior programming executives in a widespread shake-up that sees new director of television Kevin Lygo (pictured) stamp his mark on the commercial broadcaster.

The UK broadcaster has recruited BBC drama chief Polly Hill to run its scripted output, as part of a wider shake-up of the programming team that also sees a new head of factual entertainment, head of entertainment, head of comedy and head of digital channels.

Hill leaves pubcaster the BBC to take the head of drama role at commercial broadcaster ITV. She replaces Steve November, whose departure was recently confirmed, and her arrival is a big blow to the UK’s public broadcaster and a boon for its commercial rival.

Sue Murphy joins ITV from All3Media prodco Optomen, where she was managing director, and takes the newly created role of head of factual entertainment. She will work alongside Jo Clinton Davis, who remains controller, factual.

Siobhan (Shu) Greene moves from ITV Studios to become head of entertainment commissioning. She will be replaced at ITV Studios by Angela Jain, who takes the managing director, ITV Studios Entertainment role.

In turn, Jain is replaced by Rosemary Newell, who joins ITV from the international arm of Discovery Communications, and becomes head of digital channels and acquisitions at ITV.

Peter Davey, meanwhile, has been upped to head of comedy entertainment.

Kevin Lygo, the former ITV Studios boss who is now ITV director of television after replacing Peter Fincham, said: “A channel’s programming is only as good as the choices the commissioning teams make, and so it is vital to have the best people possible in these crucial positions.

“I’m delighted to announce that Polly, Sue, Shu, Peter, and Rosemary will be joining imminently to lead the programming team through the next phase of ITV’s output. Each of them bring a blend of passion and experience to the roles and I’m confident that as a team we can continue to build on the raft of shows that help to make ITV Britain’s most popular commercial channel.”

New drama chief Hill said: “ITV has always played a vital part in the landscape of British drama and shows such as Cracker, Prime Suspect and Band of Gold, had a huge influence on me and the drama I wanted to make.”

Hill, Murphy, Greene, Davey and Newell will all report to Kevin Lygo. Angela Jain will report to Julian Bellamy, ITV Studios’ MD.