Channel 4 bolsters Features and Factual Entertainment teams

Channel 4 has hired Alex Menzies and Ian Dunkley to join the Features and the Factual Entertainment commissioning teams respectively.

Head of Factual Entertainment, Liam Humphreys, has hired Ian Dunkley as Commissioning Editor. Ian has substantial experience working as both a commissioner and an executive producer across factual entertainment and factual programming. He has previously worked as a Commissioning Editor at Channel 5 where he has overseen some of the broadcaster’s most successful returning brands including The Hotel Inspector, Cowboy Builders and The Gadget Show.

Liam Humphreys said: “Ian is one of the most talented executives working in the industry and I’m delighted he’s joining the team. His energy, enthusiasm and joie de vivre will help us go from strength to strength.”

Ian joins Commissioning Editors Tina Flintoff (Gadget Man, Tom and Barney Go Back To The Future), Rich Evans (Mary’s Jobs For Life, Heston’s Fantastical Food) and Lucy Leveugle (The Undateables, Child Genius).

Separately, Alex Menzies is joining the Channel 4 Features department as Commissioning Editor and Nick Hornby has been appointed Features Commissioning Editor permanently, both reporting directly into Head of Features, Gill Wilson. Alex is an experienced television executive who has held a number of senior commissioning positions at both the BBC and Channel 5, and who has produced, directed and commissioned hundreds of hours of programming.

As Deputy Controller, Features and Entertainment, at Five from 2005 to 2007, Alex was responsible for programmes ranging from Diet Doctors: Inside & Out and How to be a Property Developer. Alex was Head of Features at Five from 2007 to 2008. He then moved on to BBC Knowledge as Commissioning Executive Producer, Factual Formats & Features, and worked on a range of programmes including Delia Through the Decades, Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey and Grow Your Own Drugs between 2008 and 2010.

Alex will work alongside the other Features Commissioning Editors Nick Hornby (Jamie's Money Saving Meals, Fishwick Out of Water) and Kate Teckman (Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners, George Clarke's Amazing Spaces).

Gill Wilson said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Channel 4 Features with many new commissions starting to appear on screen over the summer. Both Alex and Nick are brilliant creatives who bring both fantastic ideas and experience to the team and I am delighted to be working with them.”

Katie Boyd, who commissioned a range of programmes including Superscrimpers, Double Your House for Half the Money and All Back To School, is leaving Channel 4 to take a career break.

ENDS.