Channel 4 CEO Andy Duncan confirms departure

Channel 4 CEO Andy Duncan will step down by the end of the year the UK broadcaster has confirmed. Speculation over Duncan’s position reached fever pitch in recent weeks and he confirmed his departure this morning, ending his five-year tenure in charge.

Duncan issued a statement saying: “Having coped with dramatic structural change and an unprecedented downturn substantially better than most, I believe Channel 4 is in a great position to face the future with real confidence.”

Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson, who is also leaving Channel 4, said it will now begin the process of finding a replacement for Duncan. Finance director Anne Bulford will lead the group during any gap between Duncan’s departure and the arrival of a new CEO.

Earlier this year, ITV CEO Michael Grade announced he would vacate his position before the end of the year, leaving the top positions at the two largest UK commercial broadcasters vacant. Ex-BSkyB CEO Tony Ball is expected to be unveiled as the new ITV boss imminently.