UKTV Appoints Tennant As Controller

The Chief Executive Officer of UKTV has announced that Emma Tennant has been appointed to the role of UKTV Controller and will assume full editorial leadership for the company’s portfolio of ten channels and its multiplatform activities.
Tennant joins from ITV where, as Controller of Digital Channels (ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4), she helped deliver consistent and sustained growth across its digital portfolio. With a strong background in acquisitions and commissioning she was responsible for commissioning Martina Cole’s Ladykillers, Matthew Kelly’s Forensic Casebook and the highly successful drama series, Ladies of Letters.
CEO Darren Childs commented: “Emma will be instrumental in leading UKTV through the evolution of its next creative challenge and I am delighted she will be joining the team. Her strong commercial success combined with enviable creative, editorial and leadership qualities make Emma the perfect appointment.”
He continued: “UKTV is embarking on another renaissance following our phenomenally successful rebrand. We’re Sky’s largest HD provider, we are launching an exciting VOD service with Sky+ Anytime and Dynamo: Magician Impossible has been watched by 7.3 million individuals since premiere. Emma is the right commercial and creative leader to maximise the myriad of opportunities we have.”
Tennant added: “I have had a wonderful time at ITV and am incredibly proud of the success the digital channels teams have had. However, I am very excited by this new challenge and to be joining UKTV at this pivotal time. The network continues to go from strength to strength as it maximises its enviable mix of BBC content, breakout commissions and 3rd party acquisitions.”
Tennant started her TV career at Living TV where she was responsible for setting the channel’s strategy and establishing it as the must see channel for young, female demographic with smart acquisitions including CSI, Next Top Model and Will & Grace.
She moved to ITV3 in October 2005, assuming the role of Controller of ITV3 and CITV in 2007 and Controller of all ITV Digital Channels in 2009. Career highlights included winning a Children’s BAFTA, Broadcast Award and Prix Jeunesse for Bookaboo.
Emma will sit on UKTV’s Executive Leadership Team and report into Darren Childs.
(BMcN)