Kate Phillips to replace Charlotte Moore as BBC interim chief content officer
The corporation will continue to search for a permanent successor to Moore.
BBC director of unscripted Kate Phillips is to replace Charlotte Moore as chief content officer at the corporation on an interim basis.
It comes after Moore, who has been in the role since September 2020, announced she would be leaving the broadcaster later this year to join Left Bank Pictures as chief executive, and Sony Pictures Television as EVP, creative director of international production.
Phillips has been with the BBC for 12 years, and was previously controller of BBC One, after leading its entertainment team and BBC Worldwide’s formats team.
Prior to joining the corporation she was a co-owner and director of formats company Mast Media.
In an internal letter to staff announcing the news, BBC director general Tim Davie said: “We’re very lucky to have someone of her calibre and deep experience ready to step in. I know that she’ll be supported by our world-class content team through this period.
“Charlotte will work closely with Kate over the coming weeks to ensure a seamless transition for the content division. Kate will also join the BBC executive committee.
“The process of finding a permanent chief content officer is now under way, and I’ll keep you updated with progress.”
The change comes at the end of a turbulent time for the BBC, and criticism of a documentary about Gaza that featured the son of a former Hamas deputy minister of agriculture, however the PA news agency understands Moore’s departure is not connected to matters regarding the documentary.
As director of unscripted, Phillips has been responsible for the overall commissioning strategy of entertainment, documentary, factual, arts and daytime shows among others.
During her time as entertainment controller, Phillips commissioned shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, The Apprentice, Top Gear, and Dragons’ Den.
She takes over from Moore, who has been with the BBC since 2006, starting as a commissioning executive for documentaries before she went on to become director of BBC content, responsible for the BBC’s channels, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sports, from July 2016 to 2020.
Between 2013 and 2016, she was controller of BBC One when the channel delivered hit shows The Night Manager, Doctor Foster, Three Girls, Peter Kay’s Car Share, Blue Planet and Planet Earth.
After her departure was announced, Moore said in a statement: “It’s been an honour to lead the BBC creatively as chief content officer at a time of unprecedented change, championing the very best British storytelling across radio and TV.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved during my time at the helm, transforming our offer and supporting iPlayer to become the fastest growing streamer in the UK.
“I want to thank my colleagues, my brilliant team and all the incredible producers, directors, writers and on screen and on air talent who’ve made it such a thrilling ride.”
