Banijay hires BBC factual and arts chief Patrick Holland as UK executive chairman

Patrick Holland, director of factual, arts and classical music at the BBC, is leaving the UK pubcaster to become executive chairman of Banijay UK.

Patrick Holland

Holland, formerly channel controller of BBC2, will take up the role in the second quarter of next year, replacing Peter Salmon, another BBC alum who announced his departure from Banijay UK earlier today.

In his new post, he will lead Banijay’s portfolio of 20 UK unscripted and scripted production labels, including Dragonfly, IWC, Kudos, RDF, Remarkable, Shine TV, Tiger Aspect, Workerbee, Yellow Bird UK and Zeppotron.

Banijay UK CEO Lucinda Hicks will report to Holland and will work alongside him, continuing to grow the UK business. As executive chairman, he will report to Banijay’s CEO Marco Bassetti while working closely in-territory with group chief operating officer Peter Langenberg.

Bassetti said: “With unrivalled knowledge of the UK market following a hybrid producer/commissioner career, Patrick couldn’t be better placed to take on the reins of the business and join our global collective of creative entrepreneurs. Sitting at the helm of a portfolio of best-in-class talent, there is huge opportunity to further grow the pipeline of premium programming and build on Banijay UK’s existing track record. We look forward to seeing the local group further soar under his direction.”

Holland said: “Banijay UK represents an extraordinary group of companies led by some of the very best creatives in the business, so it is hugely exciting to be asked to take on this challenge. The range and quality produced across the labels is unparalleled and, together with the hugely talented Lucinda Hicks, I’ll do all I can to help their continued growth and development. I’ve had six wonderful years as a commissioner at the BBC, but the scope and ambition of the new role made the return to production irresistible.”

Prior to joining BBC Two, Holland was head of commissioning for documentaries at the BBC. During his tenure, new returning brands Ambulance, Reported Missing, The Real Marigold Hotel and Hospital were all developed and commissioned. Exodus: Our Journey to Europe won Bafta, Royal Television Society and Peabody Awards.
Before joining the broadcaster, Holland was managing director of Fremantle-owned Boundless and, prior to that, director of factual at Ricochet.