Hannah Barnes.
Hannah Barnes has resigned as group general manager of Foxtel’s Lifestyle channels after nine years with the pay TV platform.
The well-regarded executive has told colleagues she will leave at the end of October to embark on her next challenge but gave no details.
Brian Walsh, Foxtel’s executive director of TV, said in an email to staff: “Hannah has made an indelible mark on the success of the genre over the course of her stewardship and the Lifestyle group is the envy of our competitors. Her craftsmanship is admired throughout our industry, both here in Australia and internationally.
“Hannah has led a high achieving team who admire and respect her. Throughout her time at Foxtel she has actively mentored many staff across the business.
“She has continuously made insightful acquisition decisions and brought the Lifestyle brands to life through broadcast, digital, marketing and live events.”
Walsh cited a large number of her local commissions including Grand Designs Australia, Selling Houses, River Cottage, Village Vets, Great Australian Bake Off and Gogglebox.
Last year she championed the commissioning of Love It Or List It, which premiered as the highest rating Lifestyle production in Foxtel’s history, he added.
She began her career in London with programming and acquisition roles at Livingtv, FTN and Flextech Television before joining BSkyB where she served as managing editor at Sky1, Sky2 and Sky3.
In 2007, she moved to Channel Five as director of programs for digital channels Fiver and Five US.
Barnes, who served initially as head of programming at Foxtel’s Lifestyle group before being promoted to general manager, said on Thursday: “This has not been an easy decision for me because I have loved every minute of my nine years here. I have worked with the most fabulous people, both off screen and on screen.
“I am proud of many things that I have achieved but our world-class local productions are the thing that really stand out. Our numbers for Gogglebox last night just prove how much Australians love our shows.”
Foxtel has not revealed who will replace Barnes.