BBC3 Boss Zai Bennett Jumps Sinking Ship In Favour Of Buoyant Sky Atlantic

Ahead of BBC Three’s proposed move to an online-only platform – a move that is designed to save a great deal of money for the BBC – the channel’s boss, Zai Bennett, has left the corporation to work with Sky Atlantic, purveyors of high quality drama, like Game of Thrones and Mad Men.

BBC Director of Television Danny Cohen said: "Zai has been a fantastic Controller of BBC Three and has led the channel to great success, in terms of quality, awards and audience performance. He's a true gentleman and I will miss working with him."

Sky's director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy, also a previous BBC Three controller, said: "Having admired his work for many years, it's just great to now have him on the same team. Zai has huge experience in commercial TV and his innate desire to welcome and support creative risk is a perfect fit for Sky."