Channel 4 creates dedicated content and channel distribution team

Channel 4 today announced it has created a new team to manage the commercial distribution of its channels, Video On Demand (VOD) services and programmes, bringing together the full spectrum of its licensing relationships in one place for the first time.

Carl Pfeiffer is promoted to the new role of Head of Distribution, and will lead the new team overseeing Channel 4’s secondary sales business and syndication relationships with Channel 4’s major partners, including Sky, Virgin Media and Netflix.

Reporting to Laurence Dawkin-Jones, Director of Commercial & Business Development, Carl has worked at Channel 4 since 2010 and has negotiated deals including the carriage of Channel 4’s VOD and HD channels on Sky; the launch of 4oD across new devices XBOX One and Roku; and the availability of Channel 4 content on Netflix and Amazon.

Channel 4 has appointed Holly Winder to the role of UK Secondary Sales Manager to support its arms-length programme distribution activities. Reporting to Carl, Holly will build upon Channel 4’s long-standing successful business in this area, which combines the licensing of Channel 4’s rich programme archive, with more recent shows, sold in partnership with producers.

Recent notable deals have been concluded with London Live for 100 hours of Channel 4 comedy and drama; Scripps Network (for series featuring Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver, and Coach Trip and A Place In The Sun); and major deals with UKTV.

Holly joins from Endemol Worldwide Distribution where she was Director of Sales for Nordics, and brings substantial experience of linear programme sales, including of Channel 4 content.

Commenting on the new appointments, Laurence Dawkin-Jones said: “The establishment of a dedicated team led by Carl means we can ensure Channel 4’s distribution activities are fully joined-up  – not only to the benefit of Channel 4, but also ensuring the best value for the UK creative community the Channel works hard to support.”

Carl Pfeiffer said: “Our secondary sales business is a unique service Channel 4 can offer producers – opening up conversations with broadcasters about our broad range of distinctive and high-quality programming. I’m looking forward to welcoming Holly, whose strong track record in sales and customer relationships make her a great asset.”