Bill Mustos will not be returning to CTV as SVP of dramatic programming, following a year-long sabbatical in France.

‘After returning from sabbatical, Bill Mustos has confirmed to CTV his decision to pursue another challenge outside of the company,’ network spokesman Mike Cosentino said Monday. ‘He is following his dream and we wish him well.’

Mustos left his post as CTV’s drama chief on Sept. 1, 2006 to take his children and wife, a French schoolteacher, to France for one year.

CTV’s director of dramatic programming Tecca Crosby filled in for Mustos in the interim, reporting to CTV programming president Susanne Boyce. There was no immediate word regarding who will take over permanently.

During Mustos’ recent absence, CTV completed the takeover of the CHUM specialties, and recently began integrating the rival broadcaster into CTVglobemedia.