Channel 4 Names First CCO

LONDON: Jay Hunt is joining Channel 4 in early 2011 as its chief creative officer (CCO) and executive member of the broadcaster’s board.

This newly created role combines all programming functions with multiplatform commissioning and product development for the first time. Julian Bellamy, who has been acting in the role of CCO, will leave Channel 4 after a short period of transition. Hunt has been at the helm of BBC One for the past two and a half years, with commissions that included Sherlock, Luther and The Day the Immigrants Left.

“Channel 4 requires a fearless creative leader to help steer us through our next phase and Jay has demonstrated across a variety of public service genres as well as in commercial television, her appetite to challenge the status quo, create and lead change, and promote new talent,” said chief executive David Abraham.

Hunt added: “I am proud of what has been achieved on BBC One under my leadership but could not resist the chance to join Channel 4 at such an exciting time. David’s vision for a converged creative business with real innovation at its heart is compelling. I wanted to be part of that.

“While I am sad to be leaving an exceptional team at the BBC, I can’t wait to work with the commissioners and producers at Channel 4 who have delivered so many memorable programs."

Abraham continued: “Julian has done a great job in helping refresh our schedules in recent months and I would like to thank him and acknowledge his outstanding service to Channel 4 both during my short time here so far and over the several years prior to that. The recent MGEITF Channel of the Year award was a fitting recognition of his efforts."