Channel 4 appoints Head of Creative Diversity

4 February 2022

Channel 4 has appointed Naomi Sesay as Head of Creative Diversity, reporting into Emma Hardy, Director of Commissioning Operations,  Naomi starts in early February.  She was previously Interim Head of Creative Diversity for Channel 4 in 2019

 

“At Channel 4, we are committed to increasing diversity on and off screen, so it is great to welcome Naomi back to Channel 4. She brings with her a newfound wealth of experience after working with a wide range of industries,” commented Emma Hardy. “I look forward to working with her and my commissioning colleagues to ensure that Channel 4 continues to reflect and represent our audience’s diverse voices and thinking in everything that we do.”

 

As Head of Creative Diversity, Naomi will develop and deliver Channel 4’s diversity strategy. As well as ensuring that diversity continues to be successfully embedded throughout commissioning, she will be responsible for delivering Channel 4 ongoing work to foster and strengthen existing relationships with the UK’s culturally and ethnically diverse creative communities and work with colleagues across the organisation to inform and shape diversity initiatives including training and mentoring.

 

Naomi Sesay said: “I am delighted and excited to be joining Channel 4 again and working with the Creative Diversity Team. Channel 4 understands that successful and sustainable change has to go beyond legislation and remits. It requires a change in behaviours, habits and thought internally and externally, to deliver truly inclusive, equitable and brilliant content for the audience.”

 

Most recently, Naomi has concentrated on an extensive keynote speaking career with a range of industries covering film, Government and other public organisations as well as publishing and advertising companies. Additionally, Naomi worked with APS Intelligence, an Inclusive Leadership organisation, as a Senior Lead Trainer in Race Fluency and Inclusive Leadership training for  FTSE 100 Companies Concurrently, she has created and is leading a network of international architects and investors currently designing the first female-centric Sustainable Smart City in Sierra Leone.

 

"Naomi is a highly effective and passionate advocate for better representation, both in front of and behind the camera,” commented Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer, Channel 4. “The Black to Front Project last year showed that Channel 4 can make real impact in terms of connecting with our audience and creating debate. With her breadth of experience, Naomi will ensure that we build on that success and continue to lead our industry in delivering an output which is more reflective of the audiences we serve. "

 

Contact: Susan Mackean, SMackean@channel4.co.uk