Channel 4 has appointed a new chief executive to replace current boss David Abraham, who will leave later this year.
Alex Mahon, who has a PhD in medical physics, was the former boss of the maker of MasterChef and Broadchurch and is the first female Channel 4 chief executive in the broadcaster’s 35-year history.
Channel 4 chairman, Charles Gurassa said: “Alex is an outstanding leader and a highly experienced chief executive who has developed and grown major international businesses in both the creative and technology sectors,”
“She brings an impressive combination of relevant experience and is brilliantly placed to help steer Channel 4 through the competitive challenges and opportunities ahead.”
“She is a great enthusiast for Channel 4 and its unique public service remit and her recent work with government will be valuable in facilitating constructive dialogue with the new administration.” he added.
Mahon is expected to start in October or November, where she hopes to increase ratings for the channel for young people, who are choosing to stream television on YouTube and Netflix.
In the first four months of 2017, Channel 4’s share of 16 to 34-year-olds was down 15.6 percent on the previous year. The broadcaster said that most of this decline was due to shifts in when popular programmes are scheduled.
The UK channel is also searching for a new creative chief after Jay Hunt’s resigned last week. Hunt is expected to leave towards the end of September after he has handled the launch of Great British Bake Off which the broadcaster purchased from the BBC in 2016.
Mahon will join Channel 4 at an important time. The Conservatives have committed in their manifesto to move the broadcaster outside of the capital. Mahon will likely face negotiations with ministers over which parts of the channel can remain in the London.