New Sky Living chief named

Antonia Hurford-Jones has been promoted to acting director of UK channel Sky Living, as incumbent Jane Johnson leaves to launch her own consultancy.

Hurford-Jones has been at Sky for just nine months, original joining as commissioning editor for entertainment, where she executive produced Got to Dance, A League of Their Own and Love Machine.

She will now replace Johnson, who leaves the BSkyB-owned factual entertainment net in August, having joined from tabloid newspaper The Sun just 18 months ago.

Sky’s head of entertainment Phil Edgar-Jones will look to appoint an acting commissioner during the transition.

Johnson, who has worked in senior roles in television, magazines and newspapers, will launch her own consultancy, bringing her knowledge of the media industry to work with brands.

Sky bought the Living brand from Living TV Group in 2010. According to Sky’s director of entertainment Stuart Murphy, the Living channel’s viewing share is up 6% year-on-year.

During Johnson’s watch the channel commissioned original programmes featuring the likes of pop star Rihanna, actress Rebecca Front and radio DJ Chris Moyles.

“On behalf of all of us, I want to thank her for her great contribution to the Sky business and for being a fun and smart colleague to work alongside. We will be announcing very soon who will be taking over,” said Murphy.