Channel 4 Appoints New Head Of Commercial Affairs

Channel 4 has poached the BBC’s Sara Geater to take up the newly created position of head of commercial affairs, with responsibility for increasing revenue from sources other than advertising.

Geater, currently director of rights and business affairs at the BBC, will take up the new role in April. She replaces Andrew Brown at the helm of the channel’s 60-strong commercial affairs team, which is responsible for all rights and business deals with independent programme suppliers.

She will report directly to commercial director, Rob Woodward, who said: “With her knowledge of finance, production and business affairs within TV and the film industry I am certain Sara will have a considerable influence on commercial decision making across Channel 4 and 4 Ventures.”

Geater added: “I’ve really enjoyed working at the BBC at a time when it has been expanding and adapting to meet the new demands of digital. I’m looking forward to the challenges thrown up by working at Channel 4.”

Geater is returning to Channel 4 having previously worked as drama co-production executive at the broadcaster. She left the channel to become head of production at UK-based film finance and production outfit, Miramax HAL Films and later moved to become head of television and film at independent comedy producer, Avalon.

Last month Ofcom surprised the broadcasting industry by announcing that Luke Johnson, owner of The Ivy and the man who floated Pizza Express, will replace Vanni Treves as chairman of Channel 4 (see Ofcom Names Johnson As New Channel 4 Chairman).

Channel 4: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.co.uk

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