BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand chief Fiona Lang to depart

Fiona Lang, the general manager of BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, will be leaving the company at the end of September.

Fiona Lang

The news of Lang’s departure was announced internally at a BBC company meeting on Tuesday and confirmed to C21 by BBC Studios Asia Pacific.

“After more than a decade at BBC Studios, including five years leading the ANZ business, Fiona Lang has decided that it’s time to leave and pursue new opportunities,” said a The BBC Studios Asia Pacific spokesperson. “We would like to recognise her strong leadership, thank her for everything she has contributed and wish her all the best for the future.”

In an internal email to BBC Australia and New Zealand staff Lang described her decision to leave as difficult, but felt it the right time “to pursue my next career opportunity.”

Lang is a 10-year veteran of the BBC, joining  in 2014 as head of business and legal affairs  following a legal career in media across Australia and Germany.

Under Lang’s stewardship, the local operations were transformed including the launch of BBC First, BBC Studios Productions, BritBox and the Bluey commercial team. She was also responsible for distribution of BBC World News in ANZ.

The company confirmed that the current president of global markets for BBC Studios, Nick Percy  will oversee the ANZ region until a permanent replacement is found.