Pedersen returns to All3

Louise Pedersen, UK MD of Playground Television in the UK, is set to return to All3Media International as CEO following Steve Macallister’s departure.

Louise Pedersen

Pedersen previously spent 10 years leading the distributor before leaving to join Playground last year to set up the company’s UK division.

She was replaced by former BBC Worldwide and Zodiak Rights sales boss Macallister, but he left the business last week.

All3Media CEO Jane Turton said today that Pedersen’s return was an exciting prospect.

“Her knowledge of the international production and distribution market is second to none and that, coupled with her leadership skills and strategic vision, make her a very natural choice as the chief executive of such an important and central part of the All3Media Group,” said Turton.

Pedersen’s exit from All3 followed that of former CEO Farah Ramzan Golant , with both leaving in the wake of Discovery Communications and Liberty Global’s joint acquisition of the company.

All3 has since acquired UK drama indies Neal Street Productions and New Pictures. Pedersen said the addition of these outfits, combined with the experience gained at Colin Callender’s drama-focused firm, made returning to her former employer a tantalising prospect.

“Jane and the All3Media team have added some exciting companies to the fantastic group of All3Media production businesses in the past 18 months and I am really looking forward to working with them all and bringing their shows to international audiences,” she said.

Having earlier this week confirmed Macallister’s departure, All3 said in a statement today that the sales veteran had decided it was time for a change of direction and that he plans to take the remainder of the year off before embarking on new ventures.