In May 2008, after eight months at ITV plc, Airey earned Grade's enmity when she resigned to rejoin Channel 5 as chairman and CEO, with a remit to increase profitability and audience share. This she did. RTL's decision in 2010 to exit UK broadcasting and sell the company to Richard Desmond's Northern & Shell saw her elevated to the role of President of RTL-owned CLT-UFA. On 11 August 2010 it was announced Airey would leave Channel 5 to take up a senior post with RTL, its former owners, later in 2010. She left RTL in April 2013.