BBC confirms drama restructure
BBC Drama Production has restructured its activities and placed all drama production in England together under one head. That new head is Kate Harwood, who will take on the new role of Head of Drama, England for BBC Production from 21st December.
In her new role, Harwood will have overall responsibility for all in-house drama series and serials production in London and Salford and the Continuing Drama series EastEnders, Holby City and Doctors, as well as Casualty, which is made in Wales. Harwood will work alongside two drama heads in Scotland (Christopher Aird) and Wales (Faith Penhale). Each of these nation editorial heads will manage editorial and day-to-day issues in their nations and lead on development and strategy. All operational and pan-UK production issues will be co-ordinated by a UK Drama board chaired by recently appointed Controller of Business, Drama, Nick Betts.
Commenting on her appointment, Harwood said: “This is an exciting new era for BBC Drama Production with a team of Drama Editorial Heads leading Pan UK Production across England, Scotland and Wales. I look forward to leading In-House Drama in England into what looks like being a thrilling although challenging future.”
Harwood will report to BBC Production Chief Creative Officer, Pat Younge, who linked the new structure to the recent departure of Nick Brown and John Yorke: “Losing Nick Brown and John Yorke was a massive loss, but its given us a chance to review our structure and we've decided to devolve more accountability to Faith and Chris and expand Kate's portfolio. Each is an outstanding creative in their own right, and as a team they are unstoppable.”
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