New Head of Entertainment at Channel 4

LONDON: Ben Caudell, currently the head of comedy at Objective Productions, has been appointed Channel 4's new head of entertainment.

The announcement follows on news that the entertainment team would report to Liam Humphreys as part of a combined factual entertainment team.

Caudell is currently responsible for executive producing Objective’s scripted comedy programs, including Toast of London, Peep Show and BBC 3’s Witless, leading the comedy development team and pin-pointing talent both on and off screen. Prior to this he was creative director at Zeppotron, a company he co-founded in 2000.

Syeda Irtizaali will remain as commissioning editor in entertainment reporting to Caudell. Madeleine Knight, a commissioner in entertainment, has decided to leave the channel to pursue other opportunities. An editor will also be appointed to the entertainment team.

As part of the restructure, a new role of commissioning editor, live and events has been created, reporting to Ed Havard, the head of sport and TV events. Tom Beck, currently a commissioning editor in entertainment, has been appointed to this role.

Jay Hunt, the chief creative officer, said: “Ben's appointment heralds a new era of entertainment at 4. He's a wonderfully eclectic creative and couldn't feel a better fit with the channel. In live events, Tom will champion the sort of big set-piece events the channel has started to own.”

Liam Humphreys, the head of factual entertainment, added: “Ben is a huge talent, he has a unique take on the entertainment world and is brimming with original ideas. I’m thrilled to be working with him to create the next chapter of Channel 4’s entertainment.”

Caudell commented: “I'm sorry to be leaving Objective so soon, but the opportunity to be a part of the new wave of entertainment at Channel 4 has proved too exciting. I look forward to working with Liam, the entertainment team, and all the amazing performers and producers involved in Channel 4's entertainment output to make sure we keep its great shows great, and hopefully add some exciting new ideas into to the mix."