Channel 4 chief executive to step down

Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan will step down by the end of the year, it was announced today.

Mr Duncan said he had “mutually agreed” with the broadcaster’s board that now was the right time for him to leave.

He departs Channel 4 after five years in charge, and said he was looking forward to new challenges.

Mr Duncan said the publication of the British government's Digital Britain report on the future of the UK's media and communications industries in June marked a "natural moment" for him to take stock of his position.

This, coupled with the creative overhaul planned by Channel 4 in the wake of its decision to axe 'Big Brother', made now an appropriate time for him to step down, he said.

“Channel 4 is facing a further period of change, with a fresh regulatory cycle looming and with the cancellation of 'Big Brother' signalling the most significant creative renewal in our history,” he said.

“We have mutually agreed that this feels like the appropriate moment for me to hand on the baton to someone else and to move on to a fresh challenge after more than five years at the helm.”

Mr Duncan said he hoped that clarifying his intentions would end speculation about his position and allow the company to get on with its work.

Finance director Anne Bulford will take charge while a permanent replacement is sought.