Box Plus MD Matt Rennie and COO Anthony Lilleyman to step down as Channel 4 integrates Box into business operations

30 July 2019

Channel 4 today announced that Matt Rennie, Managing Director and Anthony Lilleyman, Chief Operating Officer of The Box Plus Network, will step down from their roles later this year as the Box Plus Network is fully integrated into Channel 4’s business operations.

This follows Channel 4 acquiring full ownership of The Box Plus Network in January when it bought the remaining 50% stake in the network it did not previously own from Bauer Media Group. The acquisition and subsequent integration of all Box Plus Network staff enables Channel 4 to increase value across the Box Plus Network and Channel 4 portfolios – and supercharge its wider strategy to enhance engagement with young audiences.

Box Plus Network staff will be integrated into teams at Channel 4’s Horseferry Road office in London from September.

Matt joined Box TV in October 2013 and Anthony shortly after in May 2014. The duo has been the driving force behind the UK’s largest youth music and entertainment network which includes 4Music, The Box, Box Upfront, Box Hits, Kiss, Magic and Kerrang.

During their time at the helm, Matt and Anthony have been responsible for establishing a uniquely experimental and creative culture within the business, using original content production as a core differentiator to underpin the growth of Box as a force in music broadcasting. Last year they oversaw the expansion of 4Music into a music and entertainment channel showcasing popular young skewing shows.

Jonathan Allan, Chief Commercial Officer at Channel 4 said: “Matt and Anthony have enthusiastically led the Box Plus team and proactively steered the business through many strategic challenges. They leave the portfolio in great shape as the most popular music and entertainment destination and we wish them both every success for the future.  

 "We look forward to welcoming the Box team to Channel 4 and their help in delivering our strategy to focus on young audiences.”

Matt Rennie said: “The talented team at Box have achieved a huge amount, working alongside so many great artists to entertain the millions of viewers who enjoy our network. The acquisition by Channel 4 is the logical next step for Box and integrating our network into theirs creates the best platform for it to continue to grow and thrive. I’d like to thank the board and shareholders for so much support during the last six years – I have loved every minute of it.”

Anthony Lilleyman said: “Working in a competitive youth entertainment market has its challenges, but with the support of our board and the efforts of the devoted team at Box, we’ve been able to generate returns, experiment and position the business for ongoing success. The 100% acquisition of Box by Channel 4 is a great outcome and an exciting next step in the evolution of the company. The last five years have been a blast and I’m sure the business will continue to innovate, entertain and lead in the market.”