Channel 4 appoints David Abraham as Chief Executive

22 January 2010

David Abraham, Chief Executive

Channel 4 has announced the appointment of David Abraham as its new Chief Executive.

Abraham, who is currently Chief Executive of leading multi-channel digital broadcaster UKTV, will take up his new post at a date to be confirmed.

He replaces Andy Duncan, who stepped down in November last year.

Lord Burns, Channel 4's Chairman, said:

"David is a rare commodity as a broadcaster in that he has an exceptional track record as an innovative leader, both creatively and commercially. At all stages of his career he's led creative teams and commissioned creative output of the highest quality in a commercial environment. It is that experience, we believe, that so well qualifies him for the challenge of running a commercially funded, public service broadcaster like Channel 4. 

The board spoke to a number of other candidates and considered many more as part of a very thorough process and we're convinced that, in David, we have identified a creative manager of the highest quality. He has a track record of success as a Chief Executive and the right mix of skills to get all parts of Channel 4 working together to unlock our full creative and commercial potential and complete our transition into digital."

David Abraham added:

"This is an extremely exciting, if challenging, time to be working in the media. Innovation has been part of Channel 4's history and it will be at the heart of its future. I look forward to leading the whole organisation through its next period of growth and innovation, both creatively and commercially. What I bring to deliver that future is idealism, versatility and a record of leading creative organisations through change."

Channel 4's interim management team, led by Acting Chief Executive Anne Bulford, will remain in place until his arrival.

 

David Abraham biography
Throughout his career David has led creative teams through periods of innovation and commercial success. With a career in broadcasting and advertising spanning more than 20 years, he has led high profile media businesses in the UK and US and has been instrumental in the development of major TV channels and international brands.

David was appointed Chief Executive of UKTV in April 2007. During his first year he appreciated the importance of brands in the digital age and masterminded the relaunch of the G2 channel as Dave, attracting 8 million new viewers and laying the foundation for rebranding the entire UKTV network. That rebrand resulted in record ratings and revenues for the network, which were sustained throughout the downturn in 2009. Under David's leadership, UKTV also significantly grew its original commissioning and developed a series of successful multi-platform brands across television, online and print media. This meant that he was developing brands and commissioning programmes across a range of genres from comedy to food to documentaries.

David joined UKTV from Discovery Networks USA, where, as President and General Manager for TLC from 2005, he was responsible for overseeing all content investment and strategy for the leading US cable network. David oversaw a repositioning of TLC that created a sustained period of ratings growth thanks to original hits such as Miami Ink and Little People Big World. At TLC, David also worked extensively with UK producers on remaking British formats for the American market, including The Monastery, Honey We're Killing The Kids and What Not To Wear.  

Prior to this, David was General Manager of Discovery Networks UK for four years from 2001 and is credited with doubling audience share across a portfolio of seven channels during that period. At Discovery UK, David was instrumental in negotiating a landmark output deal with Channel 4 for hundreds of hours of factual programmes and he also commissioned a broad range of acclaimed output, including the Emmy award-winning Age of Terror and Virtual History.

Before joining Discovery, David was a founding partner and Chief Operating Officer at leading independent advertising agency St Luke's, which became internationally renowned for its explosive creative campaigns and for its innovative working practices. During David's time at St Luke's, the agency won the advertising business of a number of leading companies including Ikea, Eurostar, Clarks, HSBC, Boots and Sky Digital. It broke all records by becoming Agency of the Year just two years after setting up shop.

David began his career in 1984 as a graduate trainee at advertising agency Benton and Bowles, after taking a degree in Modern History from Oxford University.

He is a board member of Skillset the national body for skills development in the creative industries and is also a member of BAFTA and the RTS.

David is 46.

 

Notes to Editors
1.  David Abraham becomes Channel 4's sixth Chief Executive in its 27 year history. His predecessors were: Andy Duncan (2004 to 2009), Mark Thompson (2002 to 2004), Michael Jackson (1997 to 2001), Michael Grade (1988 to 1997) and Jeremy Isaacs (1982 to 1987).