Tessa Ross appointed chief executive of the National Theatre

Tessa Ross, the Film4 controller whose credits include the Oscar-winning 12 Years A Slave and Slumdog Millionaire, is leaving Channel 4 to become chief executive of the National Theatre in London.

Mrs. Ross is one of the most influential figures in British film and TV. This new job will be ready for her in November, working alongside the National Theatre's outgoing director, Nicholas Hytner.

Her commitment to independent British film remained "undimmed".

Ross described the National Theatre as "one of our most iconic and significant cultural institutions and a place that I've loved since I was very young".

Her departure will be a big loss for Channel 4, which is responsible for "12 Years A Slave".

Ross said: "I leave behind an absolutely brilliant and passionate team at Film4, and an important organisation in its mother, Channel 4. It's been a pleasure and honour to work with the writers, directors, producers and the many other talented people I've collaborated with during my time there, relationships I look forward to continuing. I've loved every minute of the work over the last 13 years, and am privileged that the public purpose that has been at the heart of our work – of discovering, nurturing and supporting great artists and great work – is something I shall be able to continue to champion and celebrate in this new role".

Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham said: "Tessa has made as big a contribution to Channel 4 as anyone in its history. I would like to personally thank her for her extraordinary commitment, talent and leadership over 13 remarkable years. Tessa's job is one of the most coveted in film, both in the UK and internationally, and while she leaves big shoes to fill, we will shortly begin the task of identifying a new leader for the next chapter of Film4's story. Meanwhile our commitment to investing in independent British film remains undimmed and we have every intention of building on the extraordinary reputation Tessa has created".

National Theatre chairman John Makinson said: "The National has grown enormously in scale and complexity under the leadership of Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr. We are both a national and an international organisation, with a global audience of four million. Tessa's international experience and reputation as a producer and executive need no introduction, and her partnership with Rufus Norris will give us the strongest possible platform on which to extend the National Theatre's creative and commercial leadership".

Tessa Ross was awarded Bafta's outstanding British contribution to cinema award last year.