Channel 4 Chair to Depart After Three-Year Term
Ian Cheshire, Chair of Channel 4, is stepping down at the end of his three-year term next year. Regulators are already gearing up to find Cheshire’s replacement.
A Transformative Tenure
“It has been an immense privilege and honour to serve as Chair of Channel 4 and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together to secure Channel 4’s public ownership, launch a truly progressive Fast Forward strategy accelerating the channel’s transformation into the first public service streamer, and grow the organisation’s contribution to life in the UK, with the channel‘s biggest ever intervention in the UK creative industries.” Cheshire said.
Cheshire’s successor will assume the role on April 10, 2025 and lead the Gogglebox broadcaster’s board for three years, a shorter tenure than his two predecessors, Charles Gurassa and Terry Burns, both of whom served two consecutive three-year terms.
Navigating Challenges and Successes
Cheshire’s time at Channel 4 has been marked by its fair share of challenges.
He took the helm during a period of intense scrutiny when the government first floated the idea of selling the broadcaster. While the plan was ultimately reversed after months of debate and uncertainty,
the channel continued to face financial headwinds amid the global recession. This led to difficult decisions, including a plan to make 250 people redundant at the start of 2024.
Despite these challenges, Cheshire remained steadfast alongside CEO Alex Mahon and programs boss Ian Katz, both of whom have remained in their positions for around seven years.
Together, they steered the channel through turbulent waters.
“Channel 4 is now leading the way in digital disruption, taking on international competition and launching award-winning programmes and films,” Cheshire said.
He highlighted shows such as “The Piano, “Big Boys”, and “The Couple Next Door” as testaments to the channel’s creative success.
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Michael Grade, chair of Ofcom, who previously served as Channel 4’s CEO, praised the channel’s unique contribution to British culture.
“Channel 4 is a distinctive British cultural cornerstone,” Grade said. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sir Ian for his outstanding three years of dedicated service.”
Cheshire, who came from outside the broadcasting world, brought with him a wealth of experience as the former CEO of Kingfisher, a major UK retail group. Prior to that, he had headed B&Q, a home improvement retailer.
The search for his successor is expected to begin shortly and will be subject to the approval of Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
