Davidson-Houston to leave Channel 4
May 16, 2019
Channel 4’s Head of All 4, Richard Davidson-Houston has decided to step down from his role after 12 years at the broadcaster and will leave Channel 4 in the summer.
As Head of All 4, Davidson-Houston launched the video-on-demand service in 2015 and has led All 4 through a period of record growth in digital viewing and digital revenues. Under Davidson-Houston’s leadership, the service has evolved from a catch-up service for Channel 4 programmes, to be an acclaimed mix of live TV, catch-up, box sets and archive, and now encompasses content from partners such as Adult Swim, Vice and the award-winning Walter Presents.
All 4 is now available on more than 20 platforms in the UK and has over 20 million registered users, including over two-thirds of all 16-34 year olds in the UK. In 2018 All 4 achieved double-digit growth in viewing.
Davidson-Houston joined Channel 4 in 2007 and was Head of Channel 4 Online from 2010. He joined Channel 4 having been an Internet business consultant and, twice, a founder before joining Microsoft in 2002, where he became UK Business Manager for Messenger, Hotmail and MSN.
Davidson-Houston said: “It’s time to get stuck into something new. Channel 4 has been part of my life for a long time. I’m happy that I’m leaving All 4 in good shape and wish my colleagues all the best for the future.”
Ian Katz, Director of Programmes at Channel 4 said: “Richard has played the pivotal role in building All 4 into a hugely successful on demand service that punches well above its weight. He has been a key figure in shaping the channel’s response to the digital challenge and will be much missed.”