BBC Drama Production announces reshuffle

BBC LOGOBBC Drama Production has announced a restructure which aims to bring all drama production in England together under one head.

Kate Harwood is to take on the new role of Head of Drama, England from December 21st. In her new role Harwood will have responsibility for all in-house series and serials in London and Salford as well as the corporation’s Continuing Dramas EastEnders, Holby City, Doctors and Casualty.
Harwood will work alongside the two drama heads in Scotland (Christopher Aird) and Wales (Faith Penhale). Each of the 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 the UK Drama board chaired by recently appointed Controller of Business, Drama, Nick Betts.

Kate Harwood will report directly to BBC Production Chief Creative Officer, Pat Younge, whilst Faith Penhale and Christopher Aird will report jointly to Younge and the Heads of Productions and Programmes in Wales and Scotland respectively.

Kate Harwood says: “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 am also delighted to be taking over from John Yorke in heading up Continuing Drama as I have so many happy memories of my time running EastEnders and I look forward to leading In-House Drama in England into what looks like being a thrilling although challenging future.”
Pat Younge, Chief Creative Officer adds: “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 creative 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.”