C4 appoints Red’s Caroline Hollick as drama head

Channel 4 (C4) has hired Red Production’s Caroline Hollick as its new head of drama.

Hollick replaces Beth Willis, who is leaving the channel to join production company The Forge as partner.

The exec has been creative director at Red since 2013, running the development team and overseeing its international and domestic slates, including dramas such as the BAFTA-winning Happy Valley by Sally Wainwright.

Hollick began her career as a production trainee at Yorkshire Television working on Heartbeat, Emmerdale and At Home With the Braithwaites.

She will work between London, where C4’s drama team are based, and the Nations and Regions.

Ian Katz, C4’s director of programmes, said: “Caroline has a hugely exciting vision for Channel 4 drama and a formidable record working with – and often discovering – some of the best TV writers in the country.

“I’m confident she will make Channel 4 the most writer-friendly broadcaster and build on Channel 4’s reputation as the place to find truly original drama with something to say.”

Hollick added: “I’ve had an amazing time at Red, the home of so many ground-breaking dramas, working with the most incredible colleagues. But I’m thrilled to have been offered this opportunity to join a channel synonymous with diversity, risk-taking and innovation.

“Scripted drama has been my passion for the last 20 years, and I can’t wait to take this chance to seek out new voices and distinctive stories from the length and breadth of the country.”