C4 promotes to replace Glover

The UK’s Channel 4 (C4) has promoted from within to replace head of specialist factual David Glover, who left earlier this year to launch his own indie.

John Hay

John Hay will report to deputy chief creative officer and head of factual Ralph Lee in his new role.

Hay was named as C4’s commissioning editor of arts in November 2013. In that job he oversaw Grayson Perry: Who Are You? and Grayson’s Dream House and commissioned Grayson Perry: All Man, as well as live theatrical event The Vote.

Lee said: “John has a great combination of real intellectual firepower and an innate populism and love of TV. He’s the ideal person to lead the specialist factual team as it continues to evolve and innovate in the heart of the Channel 4 schedule.”

Hay, who joined C4 in 2012, began his career as a runner in the BBC Arts department and went on to spend nearly 13 years at the corporation as a programme maker.

Glover, who spent 11 years at C4, left to start an independent production company with Dragonfly MD Mark Raphael last month.

In related news, C4’s multi-platform and online commissioners Adam Gee and Jody Smith are leaving the broadcaster.

Gee was responsible for commissioning factual digital content for C4’s digital video unit, All 4, while Smith oversaw entertainment and comedy online commissioning.

A C4 spokesperson said: “We are currently changing the structure of the All 4 team as we focus on enhancing the viewer experience. We are focusing the editorial team on curating, acquiring and commissioning programmes for All 4. We are closing the existing entertainment and factual multiplatform and online video roles.”

Head of online Richard Davidson Houston said: “Jody and Adam are leaving Channel 4. They have both made massive contributions to Channel 4’s online success during their time here and I wish them the very best for the future.”