Five Boss Leaves

Five’s Director of Programmes for FIVER and FIVE USA, Hannah Barnes, has decided to leave the broadcaster following the successful relaunch of its digital channels, the broadcaster has announced.

Barnes said: “I’ve had a tremendous time at Five but feel I’ve achieved everything I was brought into do, namely transform the digital channels and drive their share upwards. The launch of FIVE USA next month feels like the perfect time to move onto my next challenge.”

In 2008 Five’s digital channels saw their accumulated audience share increase by 28%. The critical contribution of Five’s digital portfolio ensured Five was the only terrestrial broadcaster whose family of channels actually increased share last year.

Barnes joined Five in February 2007 from BSkyB where she was Managing Editor, Sky One, Two and Three. In April 2008 she oversaw the transformation of Five’s digital channel from Five Life to FIVER and a subsequent 30% increase in share.

Most recently she managed the development of Five’s other digital channel from Five US to FIVE USA, which will be relaunched on February 16th.

Dawn Airey, Five’s Chair and Chief Executive, said: “Hannah has brought great energy, creativity and strategic thinking to her role and managed a team which has worked wonders in making these channels standout in the digital landscape.”

Barnes joined Sky in May 2006 from Flextech where she was Deputy Channel Controller of Living TV, Living TV2 and Ftn. Prior to that she held a number of roles at Flextech including Programme Manager and Senior Acquisitions Executive.