ITV Digital’s Littleford goes to UKTV

UKTV has appointed Matthew Littleford as controller of its portfolio of channels and online activities. He will be responsible for both the editorial content and marketing for the network.

Littleford’s appointment follows the departure of John Keeling, UKTV chief operating officer, earlier this year. Keeling was also controller of the channel but the role has now been expanded to include brand marketing and the chief operating officer role has been scrapped.

Littleford will be responsible for on- and off-air marketing for both the network and individual channel. It is the first time the marketing functions have been combined under one role.

UKTV chief executive David Abraham says: “This appointment reflects the extent of creative evolution from archive-based roots into a more hybrid, brand-led and content-focussed network.”

He joins UKTV from ITV Digital Channels, where he was controller for entertainment. Prior to joining ITV in 2005, Littleford worked as a producer for independents including TalkBack Thames, Endemol and Action Time, and is also a former commissioner for Sky One.

UKTV is a joint venture between BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, and Virgin Media Television. It includes the UKTV Gold, UKTV Style and UKTV People channels. It launched in 1997.