Alex Mahon Keynote Speaker

First female CEO of Channel 4 (2017–2025)
Led Channel 4’s digital-first transformation via Future4 and Fast Forward strategies
Appointed CEO of Superstruct Entertainment, overseeing 80+ global festivals

Alex Mahon's Biography

Alex Mahon is a pioneering media executive who redefined public-service broadcasting for the digital age. As Chief Executive of Channel 4 from 2017 to 2025, she spearheaded the Future4 and Fast Forward strategies, transitioning the UK broadcaster into a digital-first public service streamer. Under her leadership, Channel 4 launched Channel 4.0, targeting Gen Z audiences, and expanded its presence on platforms like YouTube and Snapchat, significantly increasing digital revenues.

Mahon’s tenure was marked by resilience and innovation. She successfully defended Channel 4 against two government-led privatisation attempts, maintaining its public ownership. She also introduced groundbreaking workplace policies, including the UK’s first menopause and pregnancy loss policies, setting new standards for employee well-being.

Beyond digital transformation, Mahon championed content that resonated with diverse audiences. She commissioned acclaimed programmes such as It’s a Sin and The Piano, and oversaw Channel 4’s impactful coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which challenged public perceptions of disability.

In 2025, Mahon announced her departure from Channel 4 to become CEO of Superstruct Entertainment, a global live entertainment group operating over 80 festivals across Europe and Australia. Her move signifies a continued commitment to leading dynamic, creative organisations on the international stage.

On stage, Mahon offers unparalleled insights into digital disruption, organisational change, and inclusive leadership. Her sessions provide actionable strategies for navigating the evolving media landscape, delivered with the candour and vision that have defined her career.

Future-Proofing Media: Winning audiences in the on-demand age

Leading Through Uncertainty: Culture, courage, and commercial rigour

Purpose & Profit: Balancing public value with financial resilience

Diversity by Design: Building inclusive teams that drive innovation

From Broadcast to Live: Navigating the convergence of media and entertainment

She led Channel 4 as CEO from 2017 to 2025, translating digital disruption and shifting audience behaviour into a clear, digital-first strategy that modernised public-service broadcasting.
She defended Channel 4’s public ownership through repeated privatisation attempts, showing leaders how to hold mission and stakeholder trust while navigating political pressure.
She drove growth with youth-focused platform moves including Channel 4.0 and expanded social distribution, demonstrating how to build relevance and revenue with Gen Z audiences.
She set a new standard for inclusive leadership through landmark workplace policies including menopause and pregnancy loss support, proving how values-led decisions can strengthen culture and performance.
She is now taking that transformation playbook to global live entertainment as CEO of Superstruct Entertainment from autumn 2025, bringing boards a tested approach to growth, creativity and operational change at scale.