Hilary Rosen Takes the Helm as BAFTA Chair: What It Means for UK TV and Film

Hilary Rosen has been named the new Chair of BAFTA, officially stepping into the role after serving a year as the academy's deputy chair. Rosen takes the reins from Sara Putt following the conclusion of her three-year term.

A New Chapter for British Screen Arts

Rosen brings serious industry muscle to BAFTA’s top leadership spot. As the Director of Commissioning at UKTV, she has spent years spearheading high-profile original scripted and unscripted programming. Her history with BAFTA runs deep; she joined the television committee back in 2021 and eventually went on to chair it, playing a pivotal role in shaping the TV and Craft Awards.

Her appointment signals a strong push toward innovation and inclusivity. Given her extensive background in championing original content, industry insiders expect Rosen to heavily prioritise diversity initiatives and new talent development across film, games, and television.

Fresh Faces in Leadership

Rosen won't be navigating this new chapter alone. Supporting her is a newly elected, powerhouse team of industry veterans stepping into key leadership roles:

• Ade Rawcliffe & Andrew Miller: Appointed as the new deputy chairs for a two-year term.
• Charu Desodt (Games Committee Chair): A seasoned studio director with 25 years of experience at giants like Sony and Xbox.
• Caroline Levy (Television Committee Chair): A veteran scripted producer with a proven track record at the BBC and Paramount.
• Nahrein Kemp (LIT Committee Chair): ITV’s DEI and talent lead, managing an £80 million Diversity Commissioning Fund.

Together, this shake-up at the top brings a massive wave of diverse perspectives and creative expertise to the academy. As BAFTA prepares for its upcoming award seasons and year-round training programs, Rosen’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh, modern perspective to the future of the UK entertainment landscape.

For more details on the appointment and what it means for the academy's future, check out the original coverage on Variety and Deadline.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Hilary Rosen?

Hilary Rosen is the Chair of BAFTA. Outside of her academy role, she is a prominent television executive serving as the Director of Commissioning at UKTV.

What is BAFTA?

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is a world-renowned independent arts charity. It supports, develops, and promotes the creative talents of the film, games, and TV industries through its famous annual awards ceremonies and year-round development programs.