ChannelFlip founders both step down

The co-founders of Shine Group-owned online multi-channel network ChannelFlip, Justin Gayner and Wil Harris, are both set to leave the firm.

Creative director Gayner and managing director Harris are due to depart in the spring after a handover period, with the former head of Fremantle’s FMX digital division, Claire Tavernier, taking on the MD role on an interim basis.

“Both Wil and I have taken the very difficult decision that now is the right time for us to leave and scratch again our entrepreneurial itch,” said Gayner.

“Having taken ChannelFlip from zero to over two billion video views, and establishing the company within Shine over the last two years, we have decided it is time to let the next generation take it through its next chapter.”

As part of changes, ChannelFlip content director Jamie Lennox becomes creative director, while sales director Matt Rook has been promoted to the newly-created role of commercial director – both effective immediately.

ChannelFlip was founded in 2007 and has been part of Shine Group since January 2012. The firm currently manages more than 200 YouTube channels for established celebrities including Ricky Gervais and David Mitchell.