Long-serving Channel 4 director stands down

Channel 4 deputy chief executive David Scott today announced he was leaving his post.

Scott started at the channel 23 years ago, as part of its founding management team.

Joining 18 months before the launch in November 1982, he is Channel 4’s longest-serving board director.

Scott, 50, who will step down in autumn next year, said: “Channel 4’s programmes and finances are in excellent shape.

“In the next 12 months the key issues governing the channel’s future status and funding will be decided and now is a natural junction to plan to step aside.”

He said: “It will be an enormous wrench to leave, but I will do so with immense pride in everything we have achieved at Channel 4 since 1982.

“The channel has succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations in encouraging innovation and adding huge richness and variety to British broadcasting.”

Chief executive Andy Duncan said: “David has been absolutely instrumental in building the strong financial and business foundations on which Channel 4’s fantastic track record of creative innovation has been based.”

Scott, a fellow of the Royal Television Society, has also held the title of managing director since 1997.

He joined Channel 4 as controller of finance and company secretary, and was appointed deputy chief executive in 2002.