Mark Linsey named new Director of BBC Studios

Mark Linsey is the new Director of BBC Studios.

Published: 22 March 2016
Programme making is the very heart of the BBC and, in BBC Studios, we have a world-class operation. I am delighted to be a part of it.
— Mark Linsey

Mark has been Acting Director of BBC Television since October 2015 and spent more than 20 years working in TV production before joining the BBC, including roles at Central, LWT, Hat Trick Productions and Tiger Aspect.

Mark was appointed as the BBC’s Controller, Entertainment Commissioning in 2009 and was responsible for programmes including Michael McIntyre's Comedy Road Show, The Apprentice, Strictly Come Dancing and Graham Norton's chat show on BBC One. In 2013, he also took on the role of Deputy Director of Television.

Tony Hall, BBC Director-General, said: “Mark Linsey is an exceptional programme maker and a first-class leader who makes things happen and gets the very best out of those who work around him. That combination is vital if the BBC is to continue with the phenomenal run of critical and audience success we are seeing with our programme making. We are on a high and Mark is the right person to build on that success. He’s a real talent and the perfect choice for this role."

Mark Linsey said: “I am tremendously excited to be leading BBC Studios at such an important stage in its evolution. Our producers are renowned for delivering drama, comedy, entertainment and factual of the highest quality and I know I am going to enjoy working with such talented teams. Programme making is the very heart of the BBC and, in BBC Studios, we have a world-class operation. I am delighted to be a part of it.”

Mark will take up the post with immediate effect, and will join the BBC Executive Board in his new role. Charlotte Moore will be responsible for BBC television pending the announcement in the next few weeks of a new structure to simplify the BBC.

Mark will spend the next month working with the Studios teams before the new division launches on April 29.

Notes to Editors

1. Mark Linsey’s biography can be read here
2. Given the BBC’s efficiency programme, Mark’s salary will be lower than the previous salary for Director of BBC Studios.
3. BBC Studios is the new production division being created following the announcement in 2014 that the BBC would separate TV production from TV commissioning to boost creativity and competitiveness in television production.
4. Subject to discussions with the BBC Trust and Government, it is proposed that the division becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, which could create programming for other broadcasters as well, in return for abolishing the current guarantee that 50 per cent of BBC programmes are made by in-house production. The move aims to ensure the BBC remains one of the greatest programme makers in the world.

BBC Press Office