Alex Mahon
British businesswoman (born 1973)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alexandra Rose Mahon CBE (born 29 October 1973) is a British businesswoman. She was the chief executive of Channel 4 from October 2017, succeeding David Abraham as the first female CEO of the channel.[1][2][3] Mahon left Channel 4 in June 2025.
Alex Mahon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 29 October 1973 London, England |
| Education | St Margaret's School, Edinburgh |
| Alma mater | Imperial College London |
| Occupation | Businesswoman |
| Title | Chief Executive, Channel 4 |
| Predecessor | David Abraham |
| Spouse | Richard Barker |
| Children | 4 |
Early life and education
Alexandra Rose Mahon was born on 29 October 1973[4] in London.[1] Aged five, she moved to Edinburgh, and grew up there with her mother and stepfather.[5] She was educated at James Gillespie's High School and St Margaret's School, Edinburgh.[4][5]
She has a PhD in medical physics from Imperial College London, awarded in 1998.[5][6][7] She spent a year working at CERN.[4]
Career
Mahon began her career as a technology consultant with Mitchell Madison Group. In 2002, she joined Fremantle as director of commercial development.[5][4]
In 2005, when working for Talkback Thames, Management Today included Mahon in their top 35 women under 35 in the business world.[8]
Mahon was CEO of the production company Shine Group, owned by 21st Century Fox, and then CEO of the visual effects software company Foundry.[2][6]
She has worked with the UK's Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), as a member of their advisory panel on the BBC's future direction.[2]
Mahon's appointment as chief executive of Channel 4 was announced in June 2017 and became effective the following October.[1][3] in her role, Mahon earns 'almost £1 million' annually.[9]
On 28 April 2025, Mahon announced that she would be stepping down as chief executive of Channel 4,[10] and was subsequently named as the new chief executive of Superstruct Entertainment.[11]
Personal life
Mahon is married to Richard Barker, who works in renewable energy; the couple have four children.[12] The family live in Paddington, London.[13]
Mahon was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours, for services to broadcasting and diversity.[14][15]