David Brindley is returning to Channel 4 as its new Director of Programmes, taking responsibility for commissioning and editorial across the broadcaster’s scripted and unscripted output.
Brindley, currently Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer at Twofour, will join Channel 4 in January and will also become an Executive Member of its Board.
The move brings him back to the broadcaster where he previously worked as a Commissioning Editor for Documentaries. He first joined Channel 4’s factual commissioning team in 2013, moving from Twofour after working as series producer and director on Educating Yorkshire.
His career has moved between programme-making, commissioning and senior leadership. Before his current spell at Twofour, Brindley was Head of Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, where his department oversaw more than 350 hours of programming each year.
His BBC commissions included Race Across the World, Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, Interior Design Masters, The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan and The Rap Game UK. At Channel 4, he previously worked across programmes including One Born Every Minute, Educating, 24 Hours in A&E and 999: What’s Your Emergency.
Before moving into commissioning, Brindley spent around a decade working as a documentary producer and director across BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-winning productions. His credits include One Born Every Minute, Educating Yorkshire, Wife Swap, Beautiful Young Minds and The Fallen.
He returned to Twofour as Chief Creative Officer in 2020 and was promoted to CEO in July 2025, taking responsibility for the production company’s strategy, vision and growth.
Brindley, aid: “I’m immensely proud to be joining the talented team at Channel 4. At a moment of seismic change within the industry and the channel, it has never been more important to ensure Channel 4 thrives creatively, by deepening its connection with audiences and the production community across the country.
“The UK is home to the world’s best creatives, producers and storytellers, nurtured in no small part by the strength of our public service broadcasters. I want Channel 4 to be the place where those creatives and producers feel trusted and free to do their most challenging, entertaining and distinctive work. I’m excited to get started working with Priya, Kiran, Louisa and the wider team, delivering the next generation of innovative, culture-defining programmes that get viewers talking across the UK.
“I’d also like to thank everyone at ITV Studios and Twofour for their support and outstanding commitment to excellence over the years. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such inspirational colleagues – I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together.”
As Director of Programmes, Brindley will work alongside Louisa Compton, Director of News, Digital and Audience Trust, and Kiran Nataraja, Director of Content Strategy, as part of Channel 4’s new commissioning leadership structure. The three roles were created as the broadcaster reorganised its commissioning operation following Ian Katz’s departure.
Priya Dogra, Chief Executive, Channel 4, said: “As we reshape Channel 4 to invest more in distinctive British content and back creative talent across the UK, I wanted a Director of Programmes who would be able to take ambitious risks in programming and deliver powerful shows that make a cultural impact, while sustaining the bold attitude that has always been the calling card of Channel 4.
“David has a proven ability to nurture the ideas and talent that create truly standout television. With hundreds of hours of award-winning shows under his belt and deep experience working in public service broadcasting, he is the ideal person to join our existing creative leadership team and help us deliver our vision for the future of Channel 4.”
