Written by Kianna Best on Jan 10, 2024. Posted in General Interest

BFI appoints new chair

Jay Hunt has been appointed chair of the British Film Institute (BFI) by the secretary of state. The Apple TV+ creative director for Europe, and former chief creative officer of Channel 4,  has been a governor of the BFI since 2020. The new chair will commence her four year term starting from 12 February 2024.

Jay Hunt, BFI Chair Designate said: “The BFI plays such a vital role in supporting great British storytellers and I’m delighted I’ll be chairing the organisation at such an exciting and challenging time. I’m passionate about the quality and range of film and TV we produce in the UK and look forward to championing it on the world stage.”

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “Film is at the heart of the UK’s thriving creative industries, and the BFI plays an important role maximising the potential of our world-leading screen sectors. Jay’s wealth of experience championing British content makes her an exceptional Chair to lead the BFI in the years ahead.”

Hunt started her career, working on Newsnight and Panorama, subsequently becoming editor of both the One O’Clock and Six O’clock News. During her time as CCO at Channel 4, Hunt presided over Channel 4, E4, More4 and the Film 4 Channel. As the only person to have run three terrestrial broadcast channels, Hunt also served as controller of BBC One and director of programmes at Channel 5. During her career, Hunt has worked on projects such  Bad Sisters, Slow Horses, Luther, Sherlock, Black Mirror, Derry Girls, Catastrophe and Gogglebox.

Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive said: “I’m thrilled that Jay has been appointed Chair of the BFI. As a BFI Governor, Jay has been a passionate advocate for both the BFI and the UK film sector. With her incredible breadth of experience in leadership across broadcasting and global streaming, she steps into this role with a very rare combination of an innate understanding of the power and potential of what public service organisations can deliver as well as being acutely commercial. I’m really looking forward to working with her and am confident she will take us boldly into the future, holding us to our commitments in Screen Culture 2033 to transform access to our programmes, screen culture and jobs across the UK.”