Arqiva takes on Channel 4 development chief

Arqiva has appointed Matt Rennie, Channel 4’s business development manager for content and distribution, as commercial head of its video-on-demand service SeeSaw.

Before joining Channel 4, Rennie was senior commercial manager at Virgin Media and business development manager at online, mobile and cable broadcaster Music Choice.

Rennie has been appointed to the role of commercial director, despite speculation the position would be filled by Richard Knight, former strategy and distribution manager at Channel 4. Knight left Channel 4 last December to set up his own consultancy, which has recently been working with SeeSaw on projects.

Rennie said, “I’m very excited to be joining SeeSaw during this crucial period in the evolution of home entertainment. We’re confident our commercial proposition will hold strong appeal for brands and consumers alike, offering them a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of the TV revolution.”

SeeSaw was originally going to be the brand of Project Kangaroo, the joint-venture VOD offering from BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4. Slated to launch in 2008, the service was blocked by the Competition Commission earlier this year and eventually sold as a going concern to Arqiva on 23 July for an estimated £8m. The service was renamed SeeSaw last month.

SeeSaw recently appointed a senior management team with extensive experience in the UK TV market, including Pierre-Jean Sebert as CEO and John Keeling as platform controller for the service.

Last week it also appointed Publicis Groupe agency Fallon to its £5m creative account to create an integrated campaign to raise awareness of SeeSaw.

This week SeeSaw unveiled its new brand identity, which was designed by Rudd Studio.

SeeSaw will offer popular British programming as well as international and US content, and will look to challenge players such as YouTube.

Last month Arqiva appointed Aegis-owned Vizeum to handle its media planning/buying account, also estimated to be worth £5m.

This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk