Channel 4 appoints Mary Basterfield as Chief Financial Officer

Channel 4 today announced the appointment of Mary Basterfield as Chief Financial Officer. 

As CFO, Mary will partner closely with Chief Executive Priya Dogra and the Board to help deliver the next phase of Channel 4’s transformation, improving financial performance, prioritising investment and supporting the evolution towards a leaner, more efficient business model. She will have responsibility for finance, technology, procurement, content management and workplace functions. In addition to becoming an Executive Committee member, Mary will join the Channel 4 Board. 

Priya Dogra, Chief Executive of Channel 4, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mary as we embark on a significant transformation of the organisation. She brings a wealth of experience from across creative and digital businesses, alongside a strong track record of leading through significant organisational and industry change. I know she will be an invaluable partner to me and a fantastic member of the leadership team, as we secure the future of Channel 4 as a sustainable and independent business able to back British creativity and deliver impact for the years to come.” 

Mary Basterfield added: “Channel 4 occupies a unique place in the media landscape, combining public purpose with a creative and disruptive spirit. I am delighted to be joining as CFO at such a pivotal moment in its evolution. I look forward to working with Priya and colleagues across the business to deliver the strategy, transformation and ambition that will build sustainable growth and secure Channel 4's long-term financial resilience.” 

Mary is a seasoned CFO with experience spanning e-commerce, technology, media, rapid growth and strategic change. She was most recently Group CFO and Executive Director at S4 Capital plc, the tech-led digital advertising, marketing and technology services company. Prior to that she was Group Finance Director at Just Eat plc, where she led the finance team through its merger with Takeaway.com. 

Mary was previously CFO at UKTV and Hotels.com, part of Expedia Inc. She began her career in the music industry and held senior finance roles at Sony Music and Warner Music. She is a NonExecutive Director and Audit Chair for the Online NHS Trust and Audit Chair for University College London. 

Mary will start at Channel 4 on 19 October, with outgoing CFO Lucy Thomas departing on 31 October.

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