Former Kantar Exec to Lead UKTV Marketing

Digital broadcaster UKTV has appointed former Kantar Retail director Simon Michaelides as Head of Marketing for its 10-channel network, which includes Dave, Gold, and Good Food. He will take up his new post in early 2012.

Formed in 1997, UKTV is a commercial joint venture between BBC Worldwide - the commercial arm of the BBC - and channel operator Scripps Network International. The broadcaster attracts 38 million viewers each month to its network of channels.

At Kantar retail Michaelides served as Director of Consulting - Integrated Strategy & Marketing, since May 2010. Prior to this, he spent six years at PepsiCo UK in a number of senior marketing, innovation and brand management roles, and was latterly Marketing & Innovation Director for the firm's £300m portfolio of juice brands. He began his brand management career with Procter & Gamble in 1997.

In his new position, reporting to CEO Darren Childs, Michaelides will sit on the UKTV executive Board and assume overall responsibility for the marketing of the broadcaster's portfolio of free-to-air and pay-TV channels, as well as its multi-platform services.

Childs comments: 'Simon is a fantastic addition to a very strong marketing team. His creative flair, and consumer insight orientated background combined with a proven track record across high profile brands, will be invaluable as we embrace the next stage of UKTV's digital evolution.'

Web site: www.uktv.co.uk .