Channel 4 Taps Sarah Dillistone to Lead In-House Production

Channel 4 has appointed BAFTA-winning showrunner and TV executive Sarah Dillistone to lead its in-house production business in a newly created position.

Dillistone has experience across networks and streamers such as FOX, Hulu and Netflix, with a track record of delivering hit series and formats that cut through internationally, including Perfect Match, The Ultimatum and Made in Chelsea.

Beginning in February, Dillistone will lead the development of Channel 4’s IP strategy and execution, supporting the company’s role as a sustainable champion for independent production and strengthening content investment over the long-term with indies across the U.K.

She will be responsible for setting up a development team and establishing key business functions and capabilities that will be focused on creative success to drive commercial growth, developing and nurturing new formats across the U.K. that travel globally, building a successful catalog of IP. The initial focus will be on content within the factual entertainment, reality and entertainment genres.

“I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this role at such a pivotal moment for Channel 4,” Dillistone said. “The channel has been a defining part of my career, so it feels especially meaningful to return and help shape what comes next, while continuing the relationships I’ve built across the U.S. and international markets. I’m keen to work closely with an ambitious team to develop bold, distinctive programming that resonates in the U.K. and beyond.”

Jonathan Allan, interim CEO of Channel 4, commented, “I’m delighted to welcome Sarah Dillistone back to the U.K. and to Channel 4 as our leader of in-house production. Sarah has an amazing track record of transforming unscripted businesses and creating some of the most iconic formats of a generation, so I could not think of a better person to build our creative production capabilities and diversify our revenues.”