In a significant shake-up aimed at bolstering its strategic priorities, the BBC has announced the appointment of new directors for its Entertainment and Factual divisions. This move, spearheaded by BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips, is designed to enhance the broadcaster’s focus on delivering high-quality content in an increasingly competitive global media landscape.
The restructuring introduces two pivotal roles: Fiona Campbell as Director of Factual and Ed Havard as Director of Entertainment. These appointments reflect the BBC’s commitment to expanding its presence and programming across the UK, catering to diverse audiences.
Leadership to Drive Innovation and Creativity
Kate Phillips expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating, “In Fiona Campbell and Ed Havard, we have two inspirational leaders who will ensure that Entertainment and Factual continue to thrive on the BBC. They’re both committed to delivering distinctive, world-class content to BBC iPlayer and the portfolio of channels.”
Phillips emphasized the importance of creativity and audience engagement, noting that these roles will allow for more dedicated focus on individual genres. “I believe these new roles, allowing more time and focus on individual genres, will bring big benefits to Unscripted, and all the amazing producers, creatives, and partners we work with,” she added.
Fiona Campbell: A Vision for Factual Content
Fiona Campbell’s appointment as Director of Factual is backed by her extensive experience across various BBC divisions, including Unscripted, BBC iPlayer, and News & Current Affairs. Her leadership is expected to steer BBC Factual into a future of innovation and creativity.
Phillips remarked, “Fiona’s extensive experience makes her uniquely placed to lead BBC Factual into the future. She is an outstanding leader and creative powerhouse with a wealth of broadcasting and digital experience.”
Campbell, who will continue to be based in Northern Ireland, expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “It’s a huge privilege to join the BBC Factual team as Director. Together with independent suppliers, the commissioning teams across the UK are delivering world-class content to audiences, entertaining and inspiring on a daily basis.”
Ed Havard: Strengthening BBC Entertainment
Ed Havard brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Channel Four and NBCUniversal. His track record includes overseeing popular shows like The Last Leg and Celebrity Gogglebox, as well as groundbreaking co-commissions for The Traitors and Destination X.
Phillips highlighted Havard’s unique qualifications, stating, “With his vast experience of public service broadcasting, commercial deals, digital strategy, and the international market, he is uniquely placed to continue to strengthen the impact of BBC Entertainment for audiences across the UK.”
Havard expressed his excitement about returning to the BBC, saying, “The past seven years at NBCUniversal have been a genuine joy, but the opportunity to return to the BBC and work alongside Kate Phillips is impossible to resist. The BBC’s Entertainment slate is one of the most ambitious and prolific in the world.”
Implications of the Restructure
The new roles, set to commence in the spring, will see Campbell and Havard overseeing a broad range of content. The Director of Entertainment will manage Entertainment, Daytime, Factual Entertainment, and Events, while the Director of Factual will focus on Arts and Classical Music TV, Documentaries, Storyville, and Specialist Factual.
Until the new roles take effect, Campbell will continue as the Interim Director of Unscripted, and Michael Jochnowitz will remain the Editor of Unscripted. Once Campbell and Havard assume their positions, the roles of Director and Editor of Unscripted will be dissolved.
This strategic move by the BBC underscores its dedication to evolving with the media landscape and maintaining its status as a leading content provider. The appointments of Campbell and Havard are expected to bring fresh perspectives and drive the BBC’s mission to deliver innovative and engaging content to audiences across the UK and beyond.
