Head of factual Richard Klein has left ITV.
He has become the second executive to depart the broadcaster in recent times after director of television Peter Fincham stood down in January.
As head of factual, Klein was responsible for recent successes including Flockstars and Britain’s Busiest Airport.
“It has been a great thrill to run ITV factual for the last two and a half years in what have been demanding times,” Klein said.
“ITV is a world of entertainment and drama and its factual output is always seen in that context.
“Attracting large audiences to factual programming is one of television’s biggest challenges.”
The move follows the news that ITV director of entertainment, Elaine Bedell, was also stepping down after seven years.
Klein said that the flurry of departures provides a good opportunity for new director of television Kevin Lygo to pick his own team.
He added, “We have won some and lost some; but I am particularly proud to have commissioned shows like When Ant and Dec met the Prince, The Mafia with Trevor McDonald, 100-Year-Old Drivers and Rookies. And I am especially pleased that a show like Sugar Free Farm, which tackles serious issues, can achieve real impact in an entertaining and inspiring way.”
Lygo said, “I would like to thank Richard for his contribution and wish him all the very best for the future. I’m now looking forward to the next chapter.
