Flextech rejigs management to combat digital TV threat

Cable operator Flextech is streamlining the senior marketing management across its cable channels in preparation for a brand-building ad campaign.

The new campaign is designed to pre-empt increased competition from the expected explosion of digital TV stations.

Rita Lewis has been appointed head of brand development. She was formerly general manager of Playboy TV, but since May has been working on projects for the Flextech/BBC joint venture channel UKTV.

Joining her in the reshuffle is Jonathan Webb, who has been appointed head of marketing for the channels, which are wholly owned by Flextech. He is currently head of the women’s lifestyle channel Living and game show station Challenge TV. He assumes responsibility for Bravo, youth station Trouble, and children’s station TCC.

Webb, who joined Flextech from Unilever in 1994, will oversee the marketing strategy of the channels. He will report to Lis Howell, the company’s vice-president of programming.

Richard Burdett, Flextech’s vice-president of marketing, has responsibility for UKTV. Its channels include UK Horizons, UK Style, and UK Arena, which will screen documentary, lifestyle and arts programmes respectively.

The current head of marketing for Bravo, Trouble and TCC, Jane Norris, becomes marketing controller for the UKTV channels, and UK Gold. She will report to Burdett when she returns from maternity leave in mid-October.