Alex Mahon

Alexandra Rose Mahon 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. Mahon left Channel 4 in June 2025.

Early life and education

Alexandra Rose Mahon was born on 29 October 1973 in London. Aged five, she moved to Edinburgh, and grew up there with her mother and stepfather. She was educated at James Gillespie's High School and St Margaret's School, Edinburgh.
She has a PhD in medical physics from Imperial College London, awarded in 1998. She spent a year working at CERN.

Career

Mahon began her career as a technology consultant with Mitchell Madison Group. In 2002, she joined Fremantle as director of commercial development.
In 2005, when working for Talkback Thames, Management Today included Mahon in their top 35 women under 35 in the business world.
Mahon was CEO of the production company Shine Group, owned by 21st Century Fox, and then CEO of the visual effects software company Foundry.
She has worked with the UK's Department of Culture, Media and Sport, as a member of their advisory panel on the BBC's future direction.
Mahon's appointment as chief executive of Channel 4 was announced in June 2017 and became effective the following October. in her role, Mahon earns 'almost £1 million' annually.
On 28 April 2025, Mahon announced that she would be stepping down as chief executive of Channel 4, and was subsequently named as the new chief executive of Superstruct Entertainment.

Personal life

Mahon is married to Richard Barker, who works in renewable energy; the couple have four children. The family live in Paddington, London.
In December 2025, Mahon was named in the King's New Year Honours for 2026, awarded with a CBE.