Comedy agency Avalon is extending its reach in America, with the appointment of a new president of its US television arm.

The company already has a Los-Angeles based management division and now David Martin, previously an executive vice-president at Fox, will help develop comedy show for the American networks.

Avalon Television already makes a string of British programmes for its management clients, including Baddiel & Skinner Unplanned, The Frank Skinner Show and Al Murray’s forthcoming quiz show Fact Hunt – a track record it hopes to expand into the States

It has already made some inroads there, selling the format of ITV’s The Sketch Show – a co-production with Steve Coogan and Henry Normal’s Baby Cow – to air on Fox.

Martin is a former comedy agent, whose clients included Caroline Rhea and Colin Quinn, and his TV credits include cop drama The Shield.

He said ‘Avalon is one of the most innovative and dynamic entertainment companies in the world and I am very excited about this opportunity to be working with such a broadly talented group of executives on both sides of the Atlantic.

‘I am looking forward to helping Avalon grow their already successful US business - and to be returning to the world of comedy.’