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Penhale exits BBC for Lookout Point

BBC Wales head of drama Faith Penhale is to leave the broadcaster to become joint CEO of Lookout Point, the UK indie behind the BBC’s forthcoming adaptation of War & Peace.

Faith Penhale

Faith Penhale

Penhale, who delivered an ambitious slate of drama at BBC Wales including Doctor Who, Sherlock and A Poet in New York, will have a remit to build a deeper relationship between Lookout Point, the BBC and BBC Worldwide (BBCWW).

She will also be responsible for expanding Lookout Point as a key production player in the UK and global drama marketplace.

The prodco is also known for its Ripper Street drama, cancelled by the BBC in 2013 but subsequently revived by Amazon and the corporation in February 2014.

Simon Vaughan, Lookout Point chairman and CEO, said: “Faith joining as joint CEO is an exciting step for the company.

“We have all hugely enjoyed working together on War & Peace and this feels like a natural and organic move to drive forward Lookout Point’s reputation and capacity as a production company.”

Simon Vaughan

Simon Vaughan

Penhale added: “During the past five years I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the best writers and creatives in British drama, and I’m immensely proud to have been part of the BBC Wales drama story.

“I’m incredibly excited about joining a company that already has a unique and trusted position in the industry, and to be continuing to work with the writers, producers and directors we have here, growing a slate of the most ambitious, writer-driven, British drama.”

The commercial arm of the BBC remains the largest single shareholder in Lookout Point after acquiring a 35% stake in the business in September 2014, marking its return to indie investment.

Penhale was previously in the running for the BBC’s controller of drama commissioning position, which eventually went to head of independent drama Polly Hill.

Lookout Point, BBC Wales and BBCWW's War & Peace

Lookout Point, BBC Wales and BBCWW’s War & Peace

Hill said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Faith and I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks for her commitment to BBC Wales drama over the last five years. I wish her all the very best in her exciting new role and look forward to continuing to work with her on new projects through Lookout Point.”

Penhale is the latest big-name exec to leave the BBC as it faces unprecedented political challenges and budget cuts ahead of its charter renewal in 2016.

Director of television Danny Cohen announced his decision to leave in October and previous head of drama Ben Stephenson left to join Bad Robot in the US in March.

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