Former Sky content chief Jane Millichip named next CEO of Bafta

Industry veteran Jane Millichip, who left European pay TV broadcaster Sky earlier this year, has been appointed as the new CEO of Bafta.

Jane Millichip

Millichip rose from MD of distribution arm Sky Vision through chief commercial officer to become Sky’s chief content officer during her nine years at the company before she left in February.

Millichip started her career as a journalist and since moving into TV has been a commissioning editor, producer and distributor at companies including Zodiak Rights, RDF Rights, South Pacific Pictures and Living TV.

She has now been selected by the Bafta board of trustees to lead the organisation, taking up the role in October.

The arts charity (the British Academy of Film and Television Arts) says it is looking to expand its year-round international programme of learning initiatives and events following the redevelopment of its London headquarters and the expansion of its North America operations, which unified Bafta’s New York and Los Angeles branches.

Previous incumbent Amanda Berry announced she was leaving the charity after 25 years back in December, with chief operating officer Kevin Price also due to depart in September this year after 20 years.

Krishnendu Majumdar, chair of Bafta, said: “This is the first time the CEO role has been available at Bafta in over 20 years and I’m thrilled that we’ve pulled off a real coup in finding Jane, an inspirational leader who shares Bafta’s values for making the screen industries more accessible, inclusive and environmentally sustainable.”

Millichip added: “Bafta is a world-renowned brand and arts charity; entrusting its welfare to a new CEO is no small matter. I salute Amanda Berry and Kevin Price for their long-standing and impressive tenure, and I am honoured to be given this opportunity to take the organisation forward in the next chapter of Bafta’s story.

“Increasing accessibility, inclusion and relevance for the beneficiaries of Bafta’s learning initiatives, for its members, for the screen industries and for public audiences, alongside a focused growth strategy, will enable Bafta to evolve and deliver its charitable goals for years to come. I have seen the passion and commitment from all those involved in the organisation, and I am thrilled to be joining such a brilliant team.”