Claire Grimmond steps down from Channel 4

Channel 4's long serving and highly respected Controller of Research and Insight, Claire Grimmond, is to step down from her role with the broadcaster.

Grimmond joined Channel 4 as research manager in 1993 and has worked with each Chief Executive Officer and creative leader since. Her pioneering approach is credited with bringing about a closer relationship between content development, programme research and audiences across the organisation. Overseeing the consumer research and channel development of Film4, E4 and More4 Claire played a pivotal role in supporting Channel 4 as it transitioned from a single linear channel to a multi-channel, cross platform organisation. Her department has put viewer insight at the centre of decision making, helping ensure Channel 4 is at the forefront of both creative and commercial decision making.

Commenting on her departure Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham said: "Channel 4's relationship with its audience is unrivalled in UK broadcasting and this is down in part to the huge contribution of Claire Grimmond across the past 18 years. Over this time she has revolutionised the way we use research and insight to inform creative and business strategy throughout the organisation. Her recent projects range from helping deliver an invaluable public value framework that underpins Channel 4's remit and licence requirements, now published as part of our Annual Report, to developing research to measure the impact of on demand viewing and devising commercial research projects to reinforce Channel 4's trading position. I would like to personally thank her for her contribution to the creation of the new Audience, Technologies and Insight department and wish her all the very best for the future."

Claire Grimmond added: "Across my career at Channel 4 I've been lucky enough to work with some of the most talented people in the television business and to see the organisation grow from a single channel to a multi-platform portfolio. Audience research has been there every step of the way and I leave knowing research excellence is embedded at the heart of the organisation. It's been an exhilarating journey and I wish everyone at Channel 4 good luck for the future."

Claire is Channel 4's BARB board director and represents the organisation at industry events and forums. She will make an announcement about her future plans in due course and will remain at Channel 4 until the end of the year.