Debonnaire Joins BBC Vision Studios In New Role

Leading independent executive, Sally Debonnaire is joining the BBC in the new role of Controller, Production Operations, BBC Vision Studios.
Peter Salmon, Chief Creative Officer, BBC Vision Studios, and Bal Samra, Director, BBC Vision Operations and Rights, have appointed Debonnaire, currently Managing Director of top independent producer Avalon Television, to the senior role.
As Controller, Production Operations, Debonnaire will lead production management for the 17 studios in the BBC Vision Studios group, overseeing the production slate that ranges from drama to entertainment and science to religion.
As a leading member of Vision Studios' senior team, Debonnaire will help manage the 50% of commissions which come to the Studios under the in-house guarantee and also help secure projects in competition with the independent production sector through the window of creative competition (WOCC).
She will be in charge of strategic resource planning across the Studios, driving value and ensuring the effective and efficient use of in-house talent. She will also work on developing business partnerships with co-producers, including BBC Worldwide, to maximise the value of Vision Studios content. Debonnaire will report jointly to Peter Salmon and Bal Samra and sit on the Vision Studios board.
Peter Salmon said: "Sally is one of the most highly regarded and popular team leaders in the UK independent sector, with a major track record in some of the most challenging areas of content from major factual entertainment events like The Apprentice to dramas of the significance such as The Lost Prince and many more besides.
"She brings a range of unparalleled experience to the heart of the newly formed Vision Studios.
"As our 4,000 plus staff gear up to make the most of rapid change in everything from programme-making to technology, Sally will bring to bear her experience in building confidence and leadership to vital parts of our business."
Bal Samra said: "I am delighted to have Sally leading my operations team in Vision Studios, the biggest production community in the world.
"We have appointed an exceptional business leader in Sally who will drive value, efficiency and production modernisation across BBC Vision."
Sally Debonnaire is enthusiastic about starting her new role: "I think this is a great time to be joining the BBC. I see it as a time of real opportunity for all across such an exciting, diverse and creative organisation.
"I'm delighted to be working closely with Peter and Bal and am looking forward to a close collaboration with new colleagues as we embrace the challenges which lie ahead. It's a privilege to be joining Vision Studios."
(DS/SP)