Channel 4 CMCO Dan Brooke departs to launch purpose-driven agency
Channel 4 is to part ways with its chief marketing and communications officer (CMCO) Dan Brooke, who is leaving to launch a purpose-driven marketing and comms business.
Channel 4 CMCO Dan Brooke departs to launch purpose-driven agency
Brooke will hang up his hat early in 2019 to start his new venture after eight years in the role. During his career at Channel 4, he secured a slew of award wins including a Cannes Lions Grand Prix in 2016.
He helped oversee a full transformation at the broadcaster during his tenure. Earlier this year it rolled out a network-wide rebrand that looked to deliver a look more suited for digital devices and to reflect the increased capabilities of high definition screens.
As board champion for inclusion and diversity, Brooke also embraced worthy causes such as the diversity fund it launched in 2016, baiting brands with £1m free airtime to pitch ads showcasing minorities in prime-time spots. Engine and the RAF won this year's accolade in October.
Alex Mahon, Channel 4's chief executive, said: “Dan has made a huge and far-reaching contribution to the life and success of Channel 4 over many years. I’d like to thank Dan personally for the support and advice he has offered me in my first year and, on behalf of the whole organisation, wish him the very best with his future plans.”
Brooke added: “I have been lucky enough to have the most wonderful job, in a company that I adore, for many years. I’m proud of the things my incredibly talented marketing and communications teams have achieved and that the most ground-breaking of this work has achieved such powerful results and consistent global recognition. I’m also proud to have been the board champion for diversity and inclusion, leading the drive that saw Channel 4 voted Britain’s Best Diverse Company.
"With the 4 All The UK plan now successfully launched it’s a good time to leave on a high and use these successes as a springboard for my burgeoning ambition to help other mission and purpose-driven companies grow.”
The news comes during a time of flux for the national broadcaster after it announced it would move 300 jobs out of London to the regions, chiefly Leeds, with creative hubs also in Bristol and Glasgow. This is part of its plan to ramp up its regional commissioning by £250m a year.