Film4 has promoted Sam Lavender to head of development. He replaces Katherine Butler, who was promoted to senior commissioning executive in September.

Lavender will now work closely with Film4 controller Tessa Ross and Butler to move the company’s slate of projects into production. Film4’s upcoming releases include Never Let Me Go, The Lovely Bones, Bunny And The Bull, and Eagle Of The Ninth.

He joined Film4 in June 2006 as a development executive and his credits include Slumdog Millionaire and How To Lose Friends And Alienate People. Prior to joining Film4, Lavender was head of development for London-based Film & Music Entertainment.

Commenting on the appointment, Ross said:   “He’s been a wonderful development executive and I have no doubt he’ll bring fantastic energy and vigour to building our slate in his new job.”