ITV hires Forde in online and VoD marketing role

ITV has named Steve Forde as director of marketing and experience, ITV Online and On Demand.

Forde has worked as Channel 4’s head of viewer relationship management for the last four years. He will take up his post later this year, reporting to Paul Kanareck, director of online and brands, and Rufus Radcliffe, group marketing and research director.

Forde will be focused on driving the ITV Player proposition to both audiences and advertisers with a remit ranging from audience engagement and CRM to innovation and design.

.Kanareck said:  “I am delighted to have attracted someone of Steve’s calibre to the post – he has an exemplary track record in delivering innovative audience and brand engagement   Available on over 20 platforms, the ITV Player is now one of the largest and fastest growing VOD services in the UK and we have a tremendous opportunity to offer our massive TV audiences an even better and intuitive way to enjoy their favourite shows when they want.  We have a hugely exciting year ahead in ITV Online and On Demand, and I know Steve has an important role to play in its strategy and development.”

Forde said:  “I am really excited to be joining ITV Online which has seen incredible success in recent years.  I had ten great years at Channel 4, particularly the last four delivering the relationship strategy in Gill Whitehead’s team.  My next exciting challenge at ITV Online presents an irresistible opportunity to help shape the next phase of development, building on the huge achievements Paul and the team have generated over the past few years.”