Endemol Shine North, the Manchester based indie that is part of the Endemol Shine Group, today announced the appointment of Michelle Chappell, Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor of Documentaries, as its new Creative Director.

The Manchester based indie has seen +80% growth in commissioned hours over the past 12 months, and over +300% in the past 3 years. Reflective of this rapid growth, Rick Murray has been promoted from Creative Director to Managing Director with Michelle being tasked with leading development and driving new business.

In her current Channel 4 role Michelle is responsible for returning brands including The Supervet and The Secret Life of The Zoo and has commissioned a range of successful films and series such as The Bulger Killers: Was Justice Done?, A Year on the Farm and Saving Poundstretcher.

Before joining Channel 4 Michelle was Commissioning Editor of Factual, News and Current Affairs at Channel 5 overseeing over 1000 hours of television. Over the seven years in the role she commissioned many returning series including Rich House, Poor House, Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords and Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons. She was also responsible for The Wright Stuff and 5 News.

Prior to commissioning, Michelle worked for 12 years in production. At BBC Factual she launched The One Show, Crimewatch Roadshow, National Treasures and re launched Watchdog.

Rick Murray, Endemol Shine North’s Managing Director said: “These are exciting times for the business so I’m delighted that we have attracted someone of Michelle’s calibre to work with us. She is highly regarded across the industry and has an incredible track record for commissioning accessible returning series. Having her on board, driving the development slate and building relationships, particularly with terrestrials, will make an enormous difference to the continued growth of the business.”

Kim Shillinglaw, Director of Factual at Endemol Shine UK said: “As we continue to go from strength to strength across the full range of unscripted production at Endemol Shine, I’m delighted that C4’s talented and tenacious Michelle Chappell is joining Rick Murray and the team. She’s been responsible for shows I’ve admired very much and I’m looking forward to having her as part of our unstoppable Manchester business”.

Michelle Chappell said: “I’ve a huge amount of respect for Rick Murray and the team at Endemol Shine North, who are making brilliantly ambitious shows across a range of genres. It’s the perfect time to jump on board and work together to build upon their success.”

Michelle will join in January.