Welsh language channel S4C has announced Geraint Evans as its new chief executive.
It follows an unsettling period for the broadcaster that led to the sacking of senior employees and the resignation of chairman Rhodri Williams.
Interim Chairman Guto Bebb described a “natural leader who can unite staff”.
Evans’ appointment included consultation with the Management Team, Staff and Bectu Union and was followed by a unianimous decision from the Board.
Currently S4C’s Interim Chief Content Officer, leading the commissioning team, Evans joined joined S4C in 2019 as News and Current Affairs Commissioner. He was responsible for developing S4C’s digital news service, before becoming Director of Content and Publishing Strategy. Before joining S4C he was a journalist with ITV Cymru for 25 years, a Correspondent on the current affairs series Y Byd ar Bedwar, then the Series Editor and Head of ITV’s Welsh Programmes.
During the past year Evans was also acting Chief Executive of S4C for a period of six months.
Said Geraint Evans: “It is truly a privilege to have the opportunity to lead a channel that I have watched and produced content for throughout my career. S4C has a key role to play in enabling people to live their lives through the Welsh language, to attract new speakers and to maintain Welsh as a living and relevant language. As our viewing habits change, it is essential that S4C changes – and attracts, inspires and entertains our audiences, on whatever platform they choose to watch.”
Geraint Evans will start in his role as Chief Executive in January 2025. Sioned Wiliam will continue as Interim Chief Executive until then.
