Written by Joe Jackson on Nov 29, 2021. Posted in General Interest

New CEO will lead Screen Yorkshire in January 2022

Screen Yorkshire has appointed Caroline Cooper Charles as its new Chief Executive Officer. She will replace Sally Joynson, who is retiring after 16 years at the helm of the business. On 1^st January 2022, Caroline will move from her current position as Screen Yorkshire’s Head of Creative – where she oversees the company’s talent development programmes Film Office and Yorkshire Content Fund. 

“Since joining Screen Yorkshire in 2018, I have found it an immensely welcoming, remarkable and inspiring place to work,” says Caroline. “The company has such an important role in ensuring that the screen industries in Yorkshire & Humber continue to thrive and grow in a manner which reflects the fantastic talent that we have in our region.” 

“As Screen Yorkshire moves into its third decade it will be an absolute privilege to take forward the incredible legacy that has been built by Sally Joynson and lead the brilliant team that delivers this work.” 

Caroline started her career running a production company with acclaimed music video director Dawn Shadforth. Over her 25-year journey within the industry, Screen Yorkshire’s incoming CEO has spent time as Talent Development Executive for Scottish Film Talent Network, Head of Film at Creative England and Head of Creative Development at Warp X. She has also managed the UK Film Council’s nationwide short film programme through her company Lifesize Pictures, and spent a year as Director of the Sheffield International Documentary Festival. 

Caroline joined Screen Yorkshire as Head of Industry Development in 2018, overseeing the organisation’s skills and talent development programmes, including initiatives such as Beyond Brontës and the Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire. Since taking up the role of Head of Creative in February 2020, Caroline has managed Screen Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Content Fund, overseeing vital investments and acting as production executive on television dramas such as: All Creatures Great and Small, The Confessions of Frannie Langton and Ackley Bridge and feature films including Ali & Ava.  

“We congratulate Caroline on her appointment as Chief Executive,” states John Surtees, Chair of Screen Yorkshire. “Her impressive track record working within the screen industries for many years, combined with her strong vision for the future of Screen Yorkshire, made her an outstanding candidate for the role, amongst a competitive field of high calibre applicants.”

“Caroline’s passion for cultivating new screen talent and out of London production closely aligns with the values of Screen Yorkshire and I am confident that in her hands, the organisation has a strong future.”