Alex was the first woman to serve as Chief Executive of a major UK broadcaster. After a career embracing TV production and technology, she led a company that is as respected for its creativity and independent spirit as it is for its pioneering commitment to diversity and social issues. Alex explores how to be a values-led, authentic leader, even in tough times, how technology disrupts established models, and the myths and realities of managing and catering for Gen Z.... Read more
Too Much To Watch | RTS Cambridge Convention 2023
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How Channel 4 is Innovating the Traditional TV Model in the UK | Connections Ep 13 | Salesforce
UK Keynote: Alex Mahon | RTS Cambridge Convention 2021
As CEO of Channel 4, Alex Mahon was the first female chief executive of a major UK broadcaster. She transformed the business into a digital-first public media company. Behind the scenes, she put diversity and equitable representation alongside creativity at the centre of the organisation. Alex led the company for eight years, through a period of intense change, disruption and scrutiny, before joining the live event and festival company Superstruct.
Having worked as a scientist (Alex has a PhD in Medical Physics), a face painter, and a kitchen porter, Alex started a career in TV production with roles at Talkback Thames and FremantleMedia. She then led several creative production companies focused on growth and global expansion, including serving as CEO of Shine Group, the company behind shows ranging from international hit MasterChef to acclaimed drama Broadchurch. She then moved to Foundry, a cutting-edge visual effects business at the forefront of new new film and TV-making techniques.
At Channel 4, Alex managed challenges from changing audience expectations and new technologies to diversifying the media workforce. With its unique public-private funding model, Channel 4 faces high levels of government, regulator, and media scrutiny. Alex stewardship of Channel 4 balanced the demand for creative, challenging programming with public service responsibilities, while also increasing the company’s presence in the UK regions and diversifying the talent pool with schemes like 4Skills.
Alex maintained Channel 4’s reputation as a disruptive, pioneering organisation on screen and off. Her tenure saw an increasing integration of linear broadcast and streaming platforms. She led efforts to ensure Channel 4 programmes continued to influence national conversations in areas like diversity and social change, with the company itself mirroring the on-air content. That approach was exemplified by Alex’s lead in reviewing Channel 4’s policies to support employees experiencing menopause, fertility issues or pregnancy loss, breaking a long standing corporate taboo.
As well as exploring ideas and styles of leadership, Alex recounts her personal experiences of leading change, growth and innovation, dealing with crises and remaining authentic. Building on extensive research into Gen Z, she considers how brands and businesses manage and speak to this group as both colleagues and consumers. Alex looks at capturing creativity in an organisation, and building a unique, open and supportive culture. She also considers the implications of catering to a digital-first audience overwhelmed by content options presented to them by algorithm.
Alex is chair of the Centre for Creative AI, an academic and business partnership exploring the intersection of arts, technology and science with organisations including University College London, the Royal College of Art, Unilever, the Design Museum, Diageo and Snap Inc. She has served as Chair of the RTS Programme Awards, as a member of the DCMS Advisory Panel on the BBC and of the Government Creative Industries Council, and as an ambassador for London Tech Week. She is a founding member of WITs END, a women’s network focused on the tech industry, was the recipient of Variety’s International Achievement in Television Award, and has been honoured with an International Royal Industrial Fellowship. She is also a Non-Executive Board Member of Chanel Inc.
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You can book Alex Mahon through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Alex's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Alex Mahon's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Alex tailored to your event.
Alex Mahon speaks on Business & Management, Digital, Digital Trends, Diversity, Future of Work. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Alex to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Alex Mahon for events worldwide, subject to Alex's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Alex Mahon is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Alex can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Alex Mahon on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Alex can offer.
Alex Mahon delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Alex Mahon's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Digital, Digital Trends, Diversity, Future of Work. To get a clear sense of Alex's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Alex Mahon can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Business & Management, Digital, Digital Trends, Diversity, Future of Work is relevant. Details of Alex's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Alex Mahon is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Alex Mahon, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Alex's current availability for your dates.