Ian Katz stepping down as chief content officer of Channel 4

Ian Katz is stepping down as chief content officer at Channel 4 after nine years, it has been announced.

He will leave his post in October after overseeing ratings hits such as The Piano, It’s A Sin, Big Boys and Help.

He is credited with bringing Taskmaster to the channel from Dave, and bringing Nigella Lawson to The Great British Bake Off, where she will replace Dame Prue Leith as a judge.

Mr Katz, the longest-serving content chief in Channel 4’s history, said: “It’s been a privilege beyond words to lead Channel 4’s talented and passionate commissioning team through such a transformative period.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, from pioneering the evolution of a commercial public service broadcaster into a digital streaming business, to backing groundbreaking programmes and talent that have brought a bit of joy to audience’s lives.

“Above all I’m proud that Channel 4 has continued to be as disruptive and impertinent as ever, asking the questions and covering the stories that other broadcasters and streamers won’t.

“The channel’s 2026 slate is stronger than ever, and I look forward to watching its continued success under Priya’s leadership.”

The announcement comes shortly into the tenure of the channel’s new chief executive Priya Dogra, who took up her new role in March.

She said: “Ian has been an outstanding creative leader for Channel 4 over nearly nine years – the channel’s longest-serving head of programming.

“He has overseen an era of creative renewal, delivering bold and distinctive public service programming with intellectual rigour, good humour and an unmistakably Channel 4 glint in the eye.

“He will be greatly missed, but I’m delighted that he will remain with us for some months yet, continuing to lead our creative output, commissioning decisions and delivery of the 2026 slate.”

Ms Dogra replaced Alex Mahon, who stepped down as the channel’s first female chief executive after nearly eight years.

Mr Katz, a former senior executive at the Guardian, was the editor of BBC’s Newsnight before joining Channel 4 as director of programmes.

He was made chief content officer in 2020.