BBC hires for creative diversity unit

The BBC has appointed Iyare Igiehon and Michelle Matherson to the shared role of BBC creative diversity partner and is set to advertise the post of creative diversity lead for disability.

Iyare Igiehon

Matherson took up the position on September 14, having previously worked as a talent executive at the BBC, as well as ITV Studios and Channel 4 and various production companies,  for both on- and off-screen talent.

Igiehon joins on October 19 from the British Film Institute (BFI), where he will continue to work part-time with the organisation’s screen advisory groups as part of the inclusion department.

He has extensive production experience as both a presenter and a producer, including on BBC 1Xtra. He is also the co-founder and director of S.O.U.L Fest, the black film festival, which completed its second year this August.

The BBC said the new position will support it in the delivery of strategic priorities spearheaded by director of creative diversity June Sarpong, who joined the BBC in November last year having previously been a member of its diversity and inclusion advisory group.

Michelle Matherson

Igiehon and Matherson will each work three days a week in the role and report to Miranda Wayland, head of creative diversity.

Working with senior leadership in the BBC’s content department, they will support the creative diversity unit in championing diversity in the creative community and delivering on-screen diversity and inclusion strategies.

They will be responsible for managing specific projects such as the implementation and delivery of the BBC’s £100m (US$128m) diversity investment and 20% off-screen diversity target, which comes into effect on April 1.

In addition, a new creative diversity lead for disability will be advertised soon, the BBC said.

This will help ensure the BBC’s output not only fairly and authentically represents disabled people and their lives but also pushes boundaries when it comes to the portrayal of disability on screen, the pubcaster said.

The BBC added the newly created roles will work alongside Sarpong, Wayland and Nina Goswami, the existing creative diversity partner in the team, to build on its commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation.