New Channel 4 chief named

Channel 4 has announced its new chief executive.

David Abraham, who is a former advertising agency founder and currently the head of multi-channel digital broadcaster UKTV, will take up the role at a date which is yet to be confirmed.

Commenting on the appointment, Lord Burns, Channel 4's chairman, said: 'David is a rare commodity as a broadcaster in that he has an exceptional track record as an innovative leader, both creatively and commercially. At all stages of his career he's led creative teams and commissioned creative output of the highest quality in a commercial environment.

'It is that experience, we believe, that so well qualifies him for the challenge of running a commercially funded, public service broadcaster like Channel 4. He has a track record of success as a chief executive and the right mix of skills to get all parts of Channel 4 working together to unlock our full creative and commercial potential.'

Mr Abraham will be replacing Andy Duncan, who stepped down from the post at the broadcaster in November last year.