Jamie Aitchison to leave Channel 4
Tuesday 4 November 2014 14:58, UK
Jamie Aitchison will leave his role as Channel 4's commissioning editor for sport at the end of the year.
Aitchison was a key player in the revamp of the station's racing coverage, a process which concluded towards the end of 2012 with the new-look programme launched on January 1, 2013.
Aitchison, who also oversaw coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, is set to join broadcast media agency Aurora Media Worldwide in the new year, with Channel 4 already seeking a replacement.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said: "Jamie will remain in post at Channel 4 overseeing Channel 4 Racing and NFL until the end of 2014.
"A recruitment process is under way, overseen by Channel 4 Head of Live Events, Ed Havard, and an appointment will be announced in due course."
Aitchison was instrumental in Channel 4's decision to award a four-year production contract to IMG Sports Media, with Clare Balding brought on board to anchor the programme at the highest-profile fixtures.
However, he was one of a number of executives who became embroiled in a legal battle as former betting guru John McCririck decided to sue both Channel 4 and IMG, claiming age discrimination after he was told he would no longer feature on the presenting roster, which was vigorously denied by both firms.
McCririck had his case heard last year, but a tribunal ruled against him and dismissed his £3million claim.
