Channel 5 exec Kate Barnes joins Microsoft Soho Productions

Former Channel 5 exec Kate Barnes has joined Microsoft Studios’ Soho Productions as executive producer.

Barnes will be responsible for the studio’s Europe, Middle East and Africa TV strategy, and will work on “innovating” two-way TV experiences similar to that seen in Kinect Sesame Street and Kinect Nat Geo TV.

During her time at Channel 5, Barnes worked as head of digital channels and was responsible for commission and content decisions, brand growth, marketing and strategy.

“It’s an amazing time to be joining not only Soho Productions but also Xbox as we look to evolve the content experience to meet the changing ways that audiences are consuming entertainment,” she said.

“Soho Productions are at the forefront of this and have already demonstrated their innovation and commitment in this space with Kinect Sesame Street TV last year.”

The news of Barnes’ appointment at Microsoft Soho to work on TV experiences follows the formation of Xbox Entertainment Studios in LA, which will focus on creating interactive content for Xbox as well as overseeing live interactive events.