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Alex was the first woman to serve as Chief Executive of a major UK broadcaster. After a career embracing TV production and technology, she led a company that is as respected for its creativity and independent spirit as it is for its pioneering commitment to diversity and social issues. Alex explores how to be a values-led, authentic leader, even in tough times, how technology disrupts established models, and the myths and realities of managing and catering for Gen Z.
As CEO of Channel 4, Alex Mahon was the first female chief executive of a major UK broadcaster. She transformed the business into a digital-first public media company. Behind the scenes, she put diversity and equitable representation alongside creativity at the centre of the organisation. Alex led the company for eight years, through a period of intense change, disruption and scrutiny, before joining the live event and festival company Superstruct.
Having worked as a scientist (Alex has a PhD in Medical Physics), a face painter, and a kitchen porter, Alex started a career in TV production with roles at Talkback Thames and FremantleMedia. She then led several creative production companies focused on growth and global expansion, including serving as CEO of Shine Group, the company behind shows ranging from international hit MasterChef to acclaimed drama Broadchurch. She then moved to Foundry, a cutting-edge visual effects business at the forefront of new new film and TV-making techniques.
At Channel 4, Alex managed challenges from changing audience expectations and new technologies to diversifying the media workforce. With its unique public-private funding model, Channel 4 faces high levels of government, regulator, and media scrutiny. Alex stewardship of Channel 4 balanced the demand for creative, challenging programming with public service responsibilities, while also increasing the company's presence in the UK regions and diversifying the talent pool with schemes like 4Skills.
Alex maintained Channel 4’s reputation as a disruptive, pioneering organisation on screen and off. Her tenure saw an increasing integration of linear broadcast and streaming platforms. She led efforts to ensure Channel 4 programmes continued to influence national conversations in areas like diversity and social change, with the company itself mirroring the on-air content. That approach was exemplified by Alex’s lead in reviewing Channel 4’s policies to support employees experiencing menopause, fertility issues or pregnancy loss, breaking a long standing corporate taboo.
As well as exploring ideas and styles of leadership, Alex recounts her personal experiences of leading change, growth and innovation, dealing with crises and remaining authentic. Building on extensive research into Gen Z, she considers how brands and businesses manage and speak to this group as both colleagues and consumers. Alex looks at capturing creativity in an organisation, and building a unique, open and supportive culture. She also considers the implications of catering to a digital-first audience overwhelmed by content options presented to them by algorithm.
Alex has served as Chair of the RTS Programme Awards, as a member of the DCMS Advisory Panel on the BBC and of the Government Creative Industries Council, and as an ambassador for London Tech Week. She is a founding member of WITs END, a women’s network focused on the tech industry, was the recipient of Variety’s International Achievement in Television Award, and has been honoured with an International Royal Industrial Fellowship. She is also a Non-Executive Board Member of Chanel Inc.
