C4 raids Yahoo! for new media and technology director

Channel 4 has appointed Jon Gisby to the newly created role of director of new media and technology. Gisby joins from Yahoo! Europe, where he was vice-president of media and communications.

Gisby starts at Channel 4 in December and joins the broadcaster’s board and executive management team. He will report directly to chief executive Andy Duncan.

Channel 4’s new media division, which was previously part of the new business unit, will report to Gisby, who will also take over management responsibility for technology.

Gisby, who is also a former senior adviser in the BBC’s corporate strategy team, will expand Channel 4’s presence and grow its revenue in online digital media. He will work closely with director of TV and content Kevin Lygo.

Gisby says: “I’m excited by the challenge of helping transform Channel 4’s proposition. Channel 4 has a powerful and trusted brand, an unrivalled relationship with young audiences and a creative culture that places a premium on innovation – there’s no reason why it can’t have the same impact and success in new media that it has enjoyed in TV for the past 25 years.”