Katherine Butler, Film4’s Deputy Head of Film, is to become head of film and TV drama at UK indie Raw, producers of TV series Gold Rush and feature doc The Imposter.

After nine years at Channel 4’s film arm Film4, Butler will move to work alongside Raw’s Founder Dimitri Doganis, Creative Director Bart Layton, new CEO Joely Fether and head of development Zander Levy.

According to Raw, Butler will spearhead the company’s drive to become “a major force in film and drama production building a slate of bold, authored UK and US productions”.

Butler will leave Film4 at the end of February.

Raw’s TV output includes Gold Rush, which airs on the Discovery Channel, and National Geographic’s Locked Up Abroad, as well as Channel 4 series Blackout.

Ties between Raw and Film4 are strong. While at Film4 Butler executive-produced Raw’s BAFTA-winning feature The Imposter about serial imposter Frederic Bourdin and the indie currently has five projects in development with Film4, including Layton’s next project, American Animals, and scripts by Peter Straughan, Gregory Burke and Joe Barton.

The respected executive leaves the broadcaster with a glowing feature resume. Additional executive producer credits include Paddy Considine’s Tyrannosaur, Ben Wheatley’s Kill List and Sightseers and Clio Bernard’s The Selfish Giant.

Butler commented: “I’ve been incredibly privileged to spend an inspiring 9 years at Film4 under Tessa Ross’ guiding hand working with the most amazing film-makers. When this unique opportunity at Raw came up it felt too good to miss, and a very natural next step for me.

“We share an ambition to tell compelling stories that ask big questions about who we are and the world we live in, and to work with film-makers and writers with strong voices who have a desire to both connect with and challenge audiences,” she continued.

Doganis added: “Raw has a rapidly expanding drama slate in both television and film and Katherine’s vast experience and expertise in this area, and her amazing relationships with the very best writers and directors, can really supercharge this growth.”

Tessa Ross, Controller of Film and Drama at Channel 4, said: “Katherine has been an exceptional colleague - she has made a fantastic contribution to our work at Film4. With her passion for film and for talented people, she has developed and commissioned wonderful work. Katherine has helped to define Film4 for this decade.”

Film 4 is yet to determine how Butler will be replaced.