Second senior Participant exec exits

Participant Media COO Jeff Ivers is leaving the LA-based network group, a move that follows the resignation of CEO Jim Berk.

Ivers was a founding member of the company, which operates US cable channel Pivot, but his position has been under threat as a strategic management review continues.

Variety first reported the news, which follows the exit of Berk. Chairman Jeff Skoll took on the CEO post in the interim as a replacement is sought.

“Jeff was one of Participant’s first employees, and I am deeply grateful for his many years of service,” said Skoll of Ivers’s departure in a statement to US trades.

“He helped guide Participant’s growth from film into television and digital, shaping it into the global media company it is today. “We all wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Skoll had been COO since 2009, and is credited with bringing together th Documentary Channel and Halogen networks to create entertainment network Pivot two years ago.