It was confirmed today that Jeff Ford, Director of Content at TV3, will be leaving the broadcaster in April 2015.
A statement from TV3 said that Jeff had come to the decision due to family commitments. "Jeff has decided to return home to the UK,” the statement explained, "and has accepted a position as General Manager of Fox International Channels UK, based near his home in London.
"Jeff’s decision was made with great difficulty,” the statement added. "Although committed to further developing TV3's new schedule which has launched so well, his family considerations had to be foremost."
Ford was heavily involved in the launch of the new, indigenous TV3 soap Red Rock, which has been a big hit for the station.
“It is with great sadness that I leave TV3,” Ford said in a statement. "It’s been a wonderful period and now is such an exciting time for the Group with so many impressive plans in the schedule for 2015 and beyond. I always intended to leave by the end of 2015, but the arrival of my first grandchild in January brought forward these plans to return to the UK. I have met some wonderful colleagues who have become great friends during my time in Ireland and TV3 will continue to have my support into the future. I wish the company every success.”
“We are thankful to Jeff for the excellent job he did to accelerate the transformation of TV3 Group into an indigenous producer of content,” TV3 boss David McRedmond said. "He also led the creation and launch of the very successful soap Red Rock. The new schedule, which Jeff has introduced to TV3, is performing ahead of plan, confirming TV3 Groups’ preeminence as Ireland’s Number 1 commercial broadcaster. The programming team is stronger now than at any time in TV3's history, with a whole new generation of managers and programme-makers coming through the ranks.
“Although very sorry to see Jeff leave, I wish him and his wife Tracy a very happy return to the UK, and thank Jeff for his massive contribution to TV3 and for his personal warmth and friendship.
“We are advanced in finding Jeff's replacement and hope to confirm an appointment by March,”the statement concluded.