Channel 5’s Sean Doyle Heads to Channel 4

Sean Doyle has been appointed as Channel 4’s new deputy head of features and formats, joining the broadcaster from Channel 5.

At Channel 5, Doyle is currently a commissioning editor, working across a range of genres. In the newly established role at Channel 4, he will work closely with the broadcaster’s new head of features and formats, Sarah Lazenby, across the department’s slate of programming—with a particular focus on Channel 4’s 8 p.m. slot. Doyle will also have specific responsibility for leading features and formats’ work with nations and regions producers. Prior to joining Channel 5, he was head of development for BBC features, formats and daytime.

Kelly Webb-Lamb, Channel 4’s deputy director of programs, said: “Sean has a brilliant creative mind as well as a sharp eye for an opportunity which is exactly what we need in features and formats. He’s deeply rooted in the nations and regions and will be a key figure in our work there. And… he’s got a wicked sense of humor, which means—with him and Sarah Lazenby together—the features and formats team will without doubt be in line for the ‘funniest corner of broadcasting’ award. I can’t wait to have him here.”

Lazenby said: “Sean is a really experienced commissioner, with a palpable passion for making TV, and I can’t wait for him to join the team.”

Doyle added: “After three fantastic years with Ben and my colleagues in the commissioning team it is with a heavy heart that I leave Channel 5. However, the opportunity to join the newly merged features and formats team at Channel 4 is one that I am truly relishing and couldn’t resist. I honestly can’t wait to get cracking on the hunt to find the biggest and best ideas from all over the U.K. for the department as part of this hugely exciting new era for Channel 4.”