by Mark Chillingworth

Channel 4 replaces CIO role and recruits Charlotte Light

News
Nov 16, 2015
CareersIT LeadershipMedia and Entertainment Industry

Channel 4 has appointed Charlotte Light as Controller of Systems Delivery, a role which replaces CIO in the broadcaster’s organisational structure. Former CIO Kevin Gallagher told CIO UK in June of this year that the CIO role would not be replaced as he took up the position of CDO at Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service.

Light will be responsible for delivering Channel 4’s Technology roadmap across all areas of the business, specifically Ad Sales, Content and Rights Management, Corporate and All 4 as well as managing the work of Systems Delivery teams.

Light, as Controller of Systems Delivery will report to Keith Underwood, Director of Strategy & Technology at Channel 4. Orpheus War, Chief Technology Officer; Rachel Yendoll, Head of Content Management; and the Strategy & Corporate Development functions of Channel 4 all report to Underwood.

Light joins the London-headquartered broachaster from Specsavers where she was IT Director for Corporate Services, Global Supply Chain and ran programme delivery of Retail systems. Light was responsible for delivering all work programmes and the overhaul of major systems. Light’s career includes stints at private healthcare provider BUPA and IBM in a business development, technical sales and marketing capacity.

In a statement Keith Underwood said: “Charlotte is an excellent fit for Channel 4 and brings a wealth of systems delivery discipline and expertise to the business. In this role, Charlotte takes leadership of a first class team with a strong track record of delivering a wide range of ground-breaking technical solutions.”

Light said: “I’ve long been impressed with its innovative programming and look forward to contributing through the delivery of equally innovative technology. It’s an exciting time in IT with rapid advancements in technology and digital and I’m looking forward to working with the talented team at Channel 4.”

Charlotte starts her new role today.

Gallagher had been CIO at Channel 4 since 2009 responsible for all technology delivery across the broadcaster’s business systems and on-demand streaming services, having moved from the Head of Systems Delivery role which he performed for nine years.