The S4C Authority has confirmed the appointment of Ian Jones as the Channel’s new Chief Executive.
Ian Jones is one of the television industry’s most experienced senior managers having worked in the domestic and international industry for nearly 30 years. He has a broad range of experience across broadcasting, production, co-production and international TV and is, at present, Managing Director, Content Distribution and Commercial Development, International for A+E Television Networks in New York.
He will be taking up his new post at the latest on 22 April 2012 when he has finalised any commitments with AETN. Meanwhile, Arwel Ellis Owen will remain as interim Chief Executive.
Ian Jones, originally from Morriston, Swansea, was one of the team that launched S4C in 1982 and after working on Network Entertainment programming at ITV and as an Independent producer he rejoined S4C as Director of Business, S4C International and Co-productions between 1992 and 1997. Since then he has worked in senior positions for Scottish Television, United News and Media, (ITEL), Granada International and served an unprecedented two years as Chair of the British Television Distribution Industry Association (BTDA). He was President of National Geographic Television International from 2004 to 2007 commuting regularly between Washington and London, before becoming Group Managing Director of Target Entertainment Group.
He was appointed to his present post a year ago. A+E Television Networks is one of the most successful cable TV companies in the USA.
Ian Jones’ appointment follows an executive search process by the S4C Authority.
Huw Jones, Chair of the Authority, said, “Ian Jones has had an immensely impressive career in the international television industry since being head-hunted from S4C in 1997. I’m very pleased he feels that the challenge facing S4C during the next few years is both exciting and attractive, and that he wants to return to Wales to be part of it with us. I’m certain his extensive and varied experience, his deep understanding of what creates a successful television service, and his reputation for establishing effective working partnerships, will be a huge advantage to S4C as he takes up the reins.”
