Alex Mahon
Alex Mahon is the Chief Executive of Channel 4. Channel 4 is a publicly owned and commercially funded public service media organisation that exists to create change through entertainment, and generates significant cultural, economic and social impact across the UK.
Under Alex’s leadership, Channel 4 has transformed into a digital-first public media company and continues to be the broadcaster of choice for young people. Last year Alex launched a landmark study, Beyond Z: The Real Truth About British Youth, to uncover what it is truly like to grow up in the UK today and to recommit to Channel 4’s enduring relationship with youth. Channel 4 has the UK’s biggest free streaming service, it is one of the largest social media brands for young people in the UK, and over 20% of its total revenues are now generated from digital.
Alex is a passionate supporter of equitable representation and is committed to championing women’s health at work. This led to Channel 4 launching the UK media industry’s first menopause and pregnancy loss policies which have been adopted by companies worldwide.
Alex has a deep background in the creative and technology industries. Prior to Channel 4, she was CEO of Foundry, the leading 3D effects software firm and, before that, she was CEO of Shine Group, which during her tenure grew into an organisation with 27 creative labels in 12 countries. She has also worked at Talkback Thames, Fremantle Media Group and RTL Group. Alex started her career as a PhD Physicist with a stint at CERN before moving into launching internet businesses.
Alex is currently a member of the UK Creative Industries Council, an ambassador for London Tech Week, a member of the Innovate UK Advisory Board and advisor to Punchdrunk, the experimental theatre company. She is a Non-Executive Board Member of Chanel Inc and a member of the Advisory Board of Salesforce.
She was the recipient of Variety’s 2020 International Achievement in Television Award and has been honoured with an International Royal Industrial Fellowship.