Fussell to act as BBC Studios’ interim CEO
July 29, 2020
Fussell will lead BBC Studios on a temporary basis until the next BBC Studios CEO takes up their position. An open recruitment process for the next CEO is underway, with the role now advertised, and an appointment announcement is anticipated this autumn.
Fussell has been CFO at BBC Studios since its formation by merger in 2018, and has previously held the same role at BBC Worldwide and at Shine. He is a Director of the BBC’s Commercial Holdings Board and the Chair of BBC StudioWorks. As CFO, he also has responsibility for BBC Studios Property, Facilities and Technology. He has also worked in commercial roles at Harper Collins UK, and been Finance Director of Random House UK. Prior to this Fussell spent a decade in BBC finance roles, including at the then BBC Production.
Sonia Magris, Group Finance Director, will take on Fussell’s finance responsibilities in BBC Studios and become a member of the BBC Studios Executive Committee for the duration of his interim role. Fussell will remain Chair of StudioWorks.
Davie said: “BBC Studios is in good hands with Tom as interim CEO, supported by the BBC Studios Executive Team. Tom will ensure that Studios continues to manage through the Covid-19 crisis, putting wellbeing first, while doing all it can to create and distribute distinctive and quality programmes for our audiences at home and overseas. He is hugely liked and respected, and I am grateful he will lead the team while we search for a permanent CEO.”
Fussell added: “BBC Studios has a clear plan in place to drive creative hits, build stronger services and partner with major customers. These priorities will guide us as we navigate the very real challenges of Covid-19. As interim CEO, I will be working with the full BBC Studios team to come safely out of pause and to move our business plans on. I look forward to working closely with Tim’s successor when they take over as CEO.”