Channel 4 Chief Content Officer Ian Katz Stepping Down After 9 Years

Ian Katz, Channel 4‘s longest-serving chief content officer, is stepping down from the position after almost nine years. Katz will depart the role in October.

During his tenure, Katz played an integral role in Channel 4’s transformation from a linear network to a streaming service. Under his watch, streaming increased from 20% to 50% of all Channel 4 viewing. He has also overseen an acclaimed slate of programming, including favorites like “Taskmaster” — which Katz brought to the broadcaster — “Gogglebox” and “The Great British Bake Off,” as well as recent hits like “Virgin Island,” “Dirty Business” and “A Woman of Substance.”

Other highlights from Katz’s run at Channel 4 include Russell T Davies’ landmark drama “It’s a Sin,” James Graham’s “Brexit: The Uncivil War,” Jack Thorne’s COVID drama “Help” and hit comedies “Big Boys,” “We Are Lady Parts” and “Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping.” Channel 4’s upcoming drama slate, shepherded by Katz, includes Davies’ latest TV outing “Tip Toe” starring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey.

Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra said in a statement: “Ian has been an outstanding creative leader for Channel 4 over nearly nine years — the channel’s longest-serving head of programming. He has overseen an era of creative renewal, delivering bold and distinctive public service programming with intellectual rigor, good humor and an unmistakably Channel 4 glint in the eye. He will be greatly missed, but I’m delighted that he will remain with us for some months yet, continuing to lead our creative output, commissioning decisions and delivery of the 2026 slate.”

“It’s been a privilege beyond words to lead Channel 4’s talented and passionate commissioning team through such a transformative period,” Katz said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, from pioneering the evolution of a commercial public service broadcaster into a digital streaming business, to backing groundbreaking programs and talent that have brought a bit of joy to audience’s lives. Above all I’m proud that Channel 4 has continued to be as disruptive and impertinent as ever, asking the questions and covering the stories that other broadcasters and streamers won’t. The channel’s 2026 slate is stronger than ever, and I look forward to watching its continued success under Priya’s leadership.”