EXCLUSIVE: The BBC has engaged two executive search companies to help with its efforts to replace chief content officer Charlotte Moore.
The broadcaster has tasked Grace Blue and Ibison with filling the most powerful creative role in British TV, audio, and streaming, per a job ad just published online.
Moore announced in February that she was stepping down as chief content officer after four years to join Left Bank Pictures as CEO. She will also oversee international creative output for Sony Pictures Television.
The BBC’s job ad makes clear that the successful candidate will oversee the same empire as Moore, potentially ending speculation that the corporation may look to break up the role.
The job ad stops short of saying that the new chief content officer will sit on the board, but this is because the successful candidate has to be formally put forward by the nominations committee. Moore has held a board seat since 2020 and her successor will likely take a place at the top table.
Charlotte Moore
Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
The job notice said Moore’s replacement will “oversee commissioning for BBC iPlayer, all national TV channels, commissioning and production for 10 national radio networks and for BBC Sounds, children’s and education content and be the creative lead for all BBC’s key genres.”
The right candidate will be an “industry-recognised senior leader,” who has held a “sizable leadership role within the UK TV market.” They must have a “comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape including the economic/commercial/political and creative issues facing the industry.”
The BBC’s unscripted supremo Kate Phillips has taken on Moore’s role in the interim and is widely seen as one of the leading candidates for the position.
Deadline listed the key contenders in February, with those linked with the role including Netflix UK chief Anne Mensah; Jay Hunt, creative director, Europe at Apple TV+; BBC Studios Productions CEO Zai Bennett; and Patrick Holland, the boss of Banijay.
Speculation is likely to be fevered as the recruitment process progresses. There has been a period of unprecedented stability at the top of British television, with content chiefs at the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 all having been in post for record periods of time.
Applications close on April 30.
