Ben Frow is to stand down as Paramount UK chief content officer next summer after 15 years at the helm of subsidiary 5.
The executive’s exit follows Paramount’s completion of its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, creating the Skydance empire.
Skydance owner David Ellison is now leading a full review of strategy, structure and reporting lines across the international media giant, including at 5.
Frow joined 5 in 2012, when it was owned by Richard Desmond, and led the company through its acquisition by Viacom in 2014 and its subsequent incorporation into the Paramount group.
He will stand down from his day-to-day duties next summer ahead of a formal departure at the end of 2027.
Under Frow’s watch, 5 has scaled up its drama strategy after axing Big Brother, with commissions ranging from returner All Creatures Great and Small to Power: the Downfall of Huw Edwards and Frow also greenlit one of his own ideas in the shape of The Good Ship Murder.
He has also overseen a factual schedule dominated by the Royals, Yorkshire and blue-light shows, including The Yorkshire Vet, Surgeons: a Matter of Life and Death, Major Crimes Unit, Inside the Tower of London and The Royals.
Frow also brought talent such as Michael Palin, Bettany Hughes, Michael Portillo, Dara O’Briain and Rob Rinder to the channel.
He has previously revealed that he briefly resigned in 2022, citing burnout following the Covid pandemic, but reversed his decision after improvements to his mental health.
In a note to staff, 5 president Reemah Sakaan said Frow’s “exceptional creative skills, obsession with our audience and fiery competitive spirit” had delivered “an acclaimed and creative transformation of the network”.
Frow said: “I have always said that this was the best job in the world, and I’ve absolutely loved my time at 5. But after 14 years where I’ve achieved everything I wanted to and more, it seems like the right time to hand over and give someone else a go.
“This isn’t a goodbye just yet and I’ll be around to support Reemah and the team with a smooth transition.”
