UK Gold takes on C4 executive

Channel 4 client sales manager Paul Taylor has been appointed sales director of UK Gold and UK Living, taking over from Nick Milligan who was recently appointed sales director for Channel 5.

However, Milligan remains at the satellite channels for the time being, as negotiations continue with UK Gold and UK Living chief executive Bruce Steinberg over a departure date. Taylor joined Channel 4 in 1992 from Geers Gross where he was joint media director. At Channel 4, he was one of four business managers and was responsible for 25 per cent of revenue when the company sent up its sales operation in 1992. More recently he was responsible for client sales.

Taylor, who resigned last Thursday and took up his new job this week, is likely to face a tough challenge over the next few weeks when Milligan’s departure date is confirmed. A significant number of the existing UK Gold and UK Living sales team are tipped to follow Milligan to Channel 5.

“I’m aware there is talk,” says Taylor. “I’m keen to create a good team to build on current success. Part of my job will be to convince people to stay. Those that do not, I wish well. But I will work with those who are left to create the best TV sales team. A seamless transition for advertisers is essential.”

Channel 4 sales director Andy Barnes says he has yet to decide whether to replace Taylor, or reshuffle responsibilities among the remaining sales team.