BBC Studios Productions CEO Ralph Lee has announced that he will depart the company in April after nearly six years.
According to a press release, Lee is leaving BBC Studios Productions to “pursue a new challenge outside the organization.” The BBC has started its search for Lee’s successor.
Lee was appointed director of content in 2018 and has since led BBC Studios Productions to become the most-awarded production group at both the BAFTAs and RTS Awards. In the 2022-2023 financial year alone, BBC Studios Productions scored 400 nominations and 111 awards.
At BBC Studios, Lee has presided over productions including “Strictly Come Dancing,” “Happy Valley 3,” “EastEnders,” “Doctor Who,” “Prehistoric Planet,” “Good Omens,” “The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final” “The Coronation of King Charles III” and more.
Lee took on the CEO title in 2022, when the company combined its scripted, factual, global entertainment and kids and family productions as well as talent relationships and content investment. In the position, Lee oversaw production labels including House Productions, Lookout Point, Clerkenwell, Voltage TV, Sid Gentle Films and Firebird Pictures in addition to BBC Studios’ international production operations in the U.S., France, India, Australia and the Nordics.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to lead BBC Studios Productions for six fulfilling years however, after an incredibly busy but hugely successful 2023, I started to think about what was next for me professionally,” Lee said in a statement. “As hard as it is to leave such an inspiring business and colleagues who are pioneers in their respective creative and craft fields, I feel now is the right time to explore other opportunities. I’d like to thank all the fantastic production teams across BBC Studios for making this such an enriching and rewarding experience.”
