LONDON (Feb 28, 2026) — Channel 4 has announced that its interim Chief Executive, Jonathan Allan, will depart the broadcaster next month, concluding a highly influential 15-year tenure that saw him play a central role in the organization’s digital transformation.
A Pillar of the Broadcaster
Allan, who joined Channel 4 in 2011, has served as the organization’s interim leader for the last eight months following the departure of Alex Mahon. His exit marks the end of a career defined by commercial innovation and strategic resilience:
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Executive Leadership: Before stepping in as the ninth CEO in the channel’s 44-year history, Allan held the critical roles of Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
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The “Privatization” Shield: As COO from 2020 to 2025, he was the chief architect of Channel 4’s successful response to proposed government privatization, ensuring its future as a state-owned, commercially funded entity.
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Digital Legacy: He was instrumental in launching the Future4 and Fast Forward strategies, which transitioned the company into a “public service streamer” and led to record-breaking digital revenues.
Parting Words
“After many wonderful years… the time is now right for me to go and do something new and different,” Allan said in a statement. “Channel 4 is a very special broadcaster, an iconic brand, and a brilliant place to work.”
Geoff Cooper, Chairman of Channel 4, praised Allan’s “steady leadership,” noting that his contributions ensured the broadcaster remained competitive during a period of intense market volatility.
Passing the Torch
Allan’s departure paves the way for Priya Dogra, the former Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery executive, who is set to officially take over as permanent CEO in March 2026.
