Root named as possible Channel 4 chief

UK broadcaster Channel 4 is expected to name its new chief executive in the coming weeks after initial interviews took place.

Former BBC 2 controller and Discovery Channel president Jane Root, who is now running UK indie producer Nutopia, is currently the favourite for the position. The decision will be made by new chairman Lord Burns and the broadcaster’s board with names put forward by headhunters Egon Zehnder. Other candidates in the frame include Disney international boss Andy Bird, Talkback Thames’ Lorraine Heggessey and the channel’s current director of TV and content Kevin Lygo.