Below-the-line talent agent Sara Putt has been confirmed as the newly elected chair of BAFTA for a three-year term, succeeding Krishnendu Majumdar in the role.

Putt has been actively involved with BAFTA for more than a decade – she has served on the Board of Trustees since 2011 and has been BAFTA’s deputy chair since 2021. 

Sara Putt Associates, her agency for behind-the-camera technical and production talent, united with sister agencies Sayle Screen and The Artists Partnership to create The Partnership Group in 2021. 

Based at Shepperton Studios, Sara Putt Associates also runs an in-house Trainee and Foundation Scheme supporting the next generation of freelance talent including those entrants from underrepresented groups. For the last 12 years Sara Putt Associates has sponsored the Emerging Talent section of the BAFTA Television Craft Awards.

Putt’s background is in production: she has produced many short films for and with her clients, including the BAFTA-nominated Tattoo. She said: “I am deeply honoured to succeed Krishnendu Majumdar as chair of BAFTA. During his tenure, BAFTA has seen growth and transition. Krish led the ground-breaking 2020 Review with integrity, drive, and openness, and as a result BAFTA has evolved as an academy and arts charity. 

“Following the lead of the Chairs before me, I intend to continue listening to our membership, our stakeholders and our many beneficiaries. I care deeply about supporting talent and with my expertise as an agent I will steer the work BAFTA does to positively impact the careers of those we support.

“I believe in celebrating excellence on and off screen and the positive influence BAFTA has in the screen industries, and I am excited to continue learning more about the challenges and opportunities in Games to best to serve this part of the BAFTA community. 

“I am grateful and thrilled to be working with Jane Millichip, our new CEO, and the entire BAFTA team whom I have come to know and admire over the past few years. BAFTA belongs to all of us, and it is a privilege for me to serve both our members and the wider industries.”

Photo by Jeff Spicer/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA.