Alex Mahon

Alex Mahon is the first female Chief Executive of a major UK broadcaster, leading Channel 4 as it transforms into a digital-first public media organisation. Under her leadership, Channel 4 has championed diversity, equitable representation, and creativity—placing these values at the heart of its operations.

Alex’s career path has been anything but conventional. Before entering the media industry, she worked as a scientist, face painter, and kitchen porter. She began her television career with roles at Talkback Thames and FremantleMedia, before rising to CEO of Shine Group—home to global hits like MasterChef and Broadchurch. She later led the visual effects company Foundry, pushing the boundaries of film and TV technology.

At Channel 4, Alex has steered the organisation through significant shifts in audience behaviour, technology, and workforce diversity. She has embraced the challenges of its unique public-private model, delivering content that sparks national conversations while fulfilling public service duties. Her initiatives like 4Skills have expanded regional presence and broadened the talent pipeline.

Alex has also led internal culture shifts, introducing progressive policies around menopause, fertility, and pregnancy loss—topics rarely addressed in corporate environments. She is deeply engaged in shaping leadership, fostering creativity, and understanding Gen Z as both colleagues and consumers.

Her impact extends beyond Channel 4. She has held roles on the DCMS Advisory Panel, the Government Creative Industries Council, and chaired the RTS Programme Awards. A founding member of the tech-focused WITs END network, Alex has received numerous accolades, including Variety’s International Achievement in Television Award.