Paul Moreton has been named as the new head of UKTV Gold and UKTV Drama, both parts of the UKTV group, owned jointly by BBC Worldwide and Virgin Media TV. The appointment marks the first time that the two channel brands have been brought together under a single head. Moreton will report to network controller Matthew Littleford and will be responsible for the strategic development of the two channels.
Moreton joined UKTV in 2004 as head of brands for the network’s lifestyle channels. He was promoted to head of UKTV Food in 2006 and is widely attributed with building audiences to over four million each month.
A reshuffle among UKTV’s other channel heads will see Richard Kingsbury, swap drama for cuisine as the new head of UKTV Food while Steve Hornsey is promoted to deputy channel head of UKTV Gold and UKTV Drama.
Moreton replaces UKTV Gold channel head James Newton who is leaving the group after five years to pursue other opportunities.