h2 style=”text-align: center;”>”This felt like an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

BBC Three Controller Zai Bennett is leaving the BBC to take up a new role of Director of Sky Atlantic.

Zai, who joined the channel in 2011, commissioned the likes of BAFTA award-winning The Revolution Will Be Televised, The Call Centre, Life And Death Row, Tough Young Teachers and record comedy hits Bad Education and Cuckoo, as well as comprehensive seasons of programming on crime and punishment and mental health during his tenure.

Zai said: “I’ve hugely enjoyed working at BBC Three, but this felt like an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I leave BBC Three on top form with its highest ever viewing share and six nominations at this year’s BAFTAs. I will miss working with the outstanding channel and commissioning teams, the BBC is lucky to be home to some of the most creative and inspiring people in television and it’s been a privilege to learn from them in my time here.”

BBC Director of Television, Danny Cohen, added: “Zai has been a fantastic Controller of BBC Three and has led the channel to great success, in terms of quality, awards and audience performance. He’s a true gentleman and I will miss working with him.”

BBC Three is to become an online channel, subject to BBC Trust approval, in autumn 2015.