Connock returns to BBC from ITV

The commercial arm of the BBC has hired a creative director of formats from rival ITV Studios.

Sumi Connock

Sumi Connock is joining BBC Worldwide (BBCWW) to grow the company’s global formats business, replacing Kate Phillips who is moving across to the BBC to become controller of entertainment commissioning.

Connock was most recently creative director at ITV Studios, overseeing shows including University Challenge and Countdown. As well as growing existing brands she also created new formats including Tricked for ITV2 and Top Class for CBBC.

She was previously commissioning editor for daytime at the BBC before moving across to ITV Studios to become head of entertainment in 2008.

Her new remit will encompass the company’s formats catalogue of more than 160 shows including Top Gear, Strictly Come Dancing and The Great British Bake Off.

Working alongside BBCWW’s formats acquisitions team, Connock will also collaborate with BBC Studios and the UK indie sector to identify opportunities for international acquisitions.