Curwin steps out of ITV’s Garden

Nick Curwin is stepping down as joint chief executive of ITV Studios-owned prodco The Garden, with Magnus Temple remaining in sole charge.

Nick Curwin

The pair have been working together for 15 years, first with Dragonfly, where they created Channel 4 hit One Born Every Minute, then at The Garden, which they launched in 2010 and subsequently sold to ITV for £18m (US$27.4m) in 2013.

Temple will now become the sole CEO with Curwin stepping away from the day-to-day management of the company, which is known for its 24 Hours in A&E and 24 Hours in Police Custody formats. He will retain a place on the company’s board and act as an advisor.

MD Scarlett Ewens has extended her contract and been upped to MD and chief operating officer, with more autonomy over business affairs, finance and the international side of the business.

Temple said: “Nick and I have been working together for nearly 15 years. It’s a partnership I value hugely from both a personal and business perspective. Whilst I’ll miss sharing things from day to day, I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of taking The Garden forward and creating a next-generation company with Scarlett and the fantastic team here.”

Magnus Temple

Curwin said: “I’m biased, obviously, but I believe The Garden is the best documentary production company in the world. So it’s hard to make a change like this.

“But much as I love what we do and working with Magnus and the team, and much as these have been very happy years, my gut says it’s time for a break and a proper think about the future. I’m glad we’ve found a way for me to do that whilst also remaining involved and supporting Magnus, Scarlett and the team.”

Julian Bellamy, MD of ITV Studios, said: “The Garden has always been a very special production company, with an incredible track record of making brilliant factual television.

“I’m looking forward to watching it continue to thrive under Magnus and Scarlett’s expert direction and delighted that Nick will continue to support them in this new capacity.”