ITV director of television Kevin Lygo has confirmed his new creative leadership team for the UK broadcaster.
In a surprise defection to ITV, controller of BBC drama commissioning Polly Hill will join the team as head of drama, whilst Optomen managing director Sue Murphy will follow as head of factual entertainment.
Siobhan Greene, formerly managing director, will become the new head entertainment, with Peter Davey promoted to head of comedy entertainment.
Rosemary Newell, Discovery senior vice president of content and operations, will become ITV’s head of digital channels and acquisitions.
The reformation comes following the appointment of Kevin Lygo as ITV’s new director of television in January, which has seen several departures from the UK broadcaster in recent months, the most recent of which was director of drama Steve November earlier this week.
Lygo (pictured) 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.”
Polly Hill, whose credits include Doctor Foster, War and Peace and The Night Manager, added, “After 11 years at the BBC I am proud to be leaving it at the top of its game.
“ I am proud to be joining ITV and will lead the drama department into its next exciting chapter, making the very best popular drama, which will feel original, distinctive and authored.
“It’s a new journey for me and I can’t wait to start.”
