His departure is the latest in a series of changes to the broadcaster's senior management. Last October, Dawn Airey returned to Five as chairman and chief executive. Her appointment was swiftly followed by the resignation of the then-chief executive, Jane Lighting. Lisa Opie, managing director of content, left soon after, and was replaced by the controller of Sky1, Richard Woolfe.
Ratcliff returned to Five last year, two years after working there as head of viewer research and insight. He replaced director of marketing Jane Scott.
During his time at Five, Ratcliff overhauled the main channel's identity and on-screen promos.
'I continue to have a passion for TV, broadcasting and media, but it is time to move on,' said Ratcliff.
In March, Five announced that it would make 87 members of staff redundant in response to the rapid decline in advertising revenue.
The broadcaster is currently lobbying for a merger with Channel 4.
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