Beth Willis appointed Channel 4's Head of Drama

28 June 2016

 

Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer, Jay Hunt has appointed Beth Willis as the broadcaster’s new Head of Drama after a competitive process – replacing Piers Wenger who is taking up the post of BBC Controller of Drama Commissioning after four years at Channel 4.

Beth has been Channel 4’s Deputy Head of Drama since 2012 and has worked across an acclaimed portfolio of dramas including Humans, No Offence and Indian Summers – as well as upcoming projects Crazy Face, Kiss Me First, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, and Peter Kosminsky’s ISIS drama. Prior to joining Channel 4 she was an Executive Producer at the BBC and at Kudos Film and Television, executive producing Doctor Who and the BAFTA winning Eric and Ernie and producing Ashes to Ashes.  Beth started her career as a script editor at Granada.

As Beth is due to begin maternity leave this summer, Phil Clarke – currently Channel 4’s Head of Comedy – will take up the role of Head of Scripted and will oversee both drama and comedy commissioning over this period until she returns.

Jay Hunt said: “I’ve loved working with Piers. He’s been an exceptional head of drama, delivering award winning shows with record breaking audiences.  It’s a fitting tribute to what he has achieved at 4 that he has been poached for the biggest job in drama commissioning”

“Beth is a passionate programme maker and a superlative commissioner. She has played a critical part in Channel 4’s success and I am looking forward to working with her on the next phase of great drama at 4”

Beth Willis said: “I’m honoured and excited to be given this opportunity to usher in the next wave of ambitious, distinctive and entertaining dramas to the channel. I’m passionate about finding brilliant writers and producers – and encouraging them to do what they do best.”

Piers Wenger will leave Channel 4 before the end of the year. He will continue to oversee the delivery of commissioned projects for Channel 4 over this period.