The man who spearheaded Channel 4’s award-winning coverage of Test match cricket has been appointed Chief Executive of The Television Corporation, the leading producer of sport, entertainment and factual programmes.
Jeff Foulser, formerly deputy chief executive and acting chief executive since the departure of former CE Chris Rowlands, will take up the role with immediate effect.
He has been with the TV Corp for over 12 years, joining the sports production arm, Sunset+Vine in 1989 and becoming Managing Director in November 1995. Since then he has overseen a four-fold growth in turnover to circa £20 million in the last financial year. He was appointed Deputy Chief Executive of TV Corp in October 1999.
Jeff began his career at LWT where he was senior producer, handling live football coverage and such key events as the Football World Cup, The Olympics and other major world sporting occasions.
Replacing Foulser as Managing Director of Sunset+Vine is John Leach, formerly Director of Programmes.
Chairman Terry Bate said: ‘I am delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Jeff Foulser as Chief Executive. He has been a key figure in expanding and developing the business of both Sunset +Vine and the Television Corporation. He is that rare combination of being a creative sports television talent and a highly effective business leader. He is in other words perfect for the job of running the Television Corporation as it continues to develop as one of the leading production houses and rights owners in the business.’
Jeff Foulser said: ‘The potential for the Television Corporation is enormous. Under one roof we have the proven creative and technical skills to become a leading content producer in the areas of sports, factual and entertainment all genres in high demand. Our customer base is broad, our international reputation is growing rapidly and importantly we are increasingly able to exploit the licensing and merchandising value of the brands we own.’
At the same time, TV Corp announced a number of senior changes:
*Terry Bate the current Executive Chairman relinquishes his executive duties and returns to the title of Chairman
*Tom Gutteridge, an executive director, now becomes Deputy Chief Executive with responsibilities for Group Content and Marketing. Consequently he will cease to be Chairman of Mentorn, a position that will be taken over by Terry Bate. Tom remains as Chief Executive of Mentorn.
*Martin Anderson, currently Managing Director of Group subsidiary Visions, becomes Managing Director, Group Facilities and joins the Board as an executive director.
*George Carey, currently Director of Programmes at Group subsidiary Mentorn, joins the Board as an executive director.
*Karen Brown, Ex Channel 4 Deputy Director of Programmes, joins the Board as Non-executive director
*Lord Chalfont, currently non-executive Deputy Chairman is resigning from the Board
For further information please contact:
Gary Double Public Relations
Tel: 01483 750662
Mob: 07768 825114
Fax: 01483 751282