Jon Gisby is to step down from his post as director of future media and technology at Channel 4, the broadcaster has announced.
Gisby joined Channel 4 in 2007 having previously been vice president of media and communications for Yahoo! Europe and before that the search engine’s UK managing director.
At Channel 4 Gisby helped build the video-on-demand service 4oD and secured the pioneering deal with YouTube that made the broadcaster’s original programmes available on demand, in full and free-of-charge via YouTube in the UK. More recently, he has led Channel 4’s involvement in Project Canvas.
Commenting on his decision, Gisby said: “It has been a pleasure and privilege to lead some of the most talented and passionate teams in the industry to deliver great services and commercial success. Channel 4 can now face the digital future with increased confidence, with profitable and growing services at the heart of the organisation and an outstanding track record of innovation and partnership. I am very proud of what we’ve achieved and I wish the channel every success.”
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham added: “Jon has played a pivotal role in accelerating Channel 4’s transition from a linear broadcaster to a multi-platform media company. Under his leadership Channel 4 has led the industry in cross-platform innovation and delivered pioneering video-on-demand services which are delighting our audiences and advertisers.”
Gisby is the latest departure from Channel 4 in the wake of the review being conducted by new CEO Abraham. A separate strategic review conducted by ITV has also seen several senior staffers depart including group technology director Richard Cross.
