The Channel 4 head of drama, Liza Marshall, has quit the broadcaster to head the UK arm of the television and film production company run by Hollywood directors Ridley and Tony Scott.
Marshall, who was responsible for all drama output at Channel 4, becomes head of Scott Free UK.
She is the second recent high-profile departure from Channel 4's commissioning team for the independent production sector, following head of comedy and entertainment Andrew Newman's exit to join Peep Show producer Objective Productions.
Los Angeles-based Scott Free's credits include the big-screen remake of The A-Team and a new version of Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. The company's BBC and HBO co-production Into The Storm, a Winston Churchill biopic starring Brendan Gleeson and Janet McTeer, aired on BBC2 on Monday.
"At a time of uncertainty in many areas of the business, and in particular in the specialty film sector in the US, we believe it is an opportune time to step up our commitment to European film-making" said Ridley Scott.
"Liza's appointment enables us to offer a real home for creative talent and help them navigate the new business models which will be needed to get films made."
Marshall's Channel 4 credits include Boy A, The Mark of Cain, The Shooting of Thomas Hurndall and Red Riding, based on the David Peace crime novels, which Scott Free is turning into a film.
"I have loved my time at Channel 4 where I've had the privilege of working with some incredible people and made a range of films and drama that I'm very proud of," said Marshall.
"When Ridley and Tony approached me with the idea of expanding Scott Free in the UK, I was immediately attracted to the idea of joining a company that instinctively understands the ambitions of creative talent and has their best interests at heart.
"I am looking forward to making Scott Free a place where British writers and directors can flourish and are empowered to do their very best work."
Marshall was previously a producer and executive producer at the BBC, where she was responsible for dramas including The Long Firm and The Sins.
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