Channel 4 names Alex Mahon as new chief exec

Ex-Shine boss Alex Mahon will succeed David Abraham as Channel 4’s new chief executive – the first female CEO in the broadcaster’s 35-year history.

Mahon is currently CEO of Foundry, a global technology business delivering visual effects and virtual reality for the entertainment industry.

Prior to that she was CEO of Shine Group – the production company behind many successful TV shows, including MasterChef and Big Brother – and has also held senior roles at Talkback Thames, FremantleMedia and RTL Group.

“Alex is an outstanding leader and a highly experienced CEO who has developed and grown major international businesses in both the creative and technology sectors,” said Charles Gurassa, chair of Channel 4.

“She brings an impressive combination of relevant experience and is brilliantly placed to help steer Channel 4 through the competitive challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Mahon is set to take up her new post in the autumn, with an exact date to be announced in due course.

She said: “There is nowhere in the world like Channel 4 and, in these changing times, its mission is more important than ever. I’m incredibly proud to be joining Channel 4 and bring to it experience both of leading creative organisations at scale and dealing with an environment of constant technological change.”

The news comes just days after Channel 4’s chief creative officer, Jay Hunt – who was hotly-tipped to fill Abraham’s shoes – announced she will be leaving the broadcaster after seven years.