Mark Linsey to replace Peter Salmon as head of BBC Studios
The BBC has appointed Mark Linsey as head of BBC Studios ahead of a major management restructure that is expected to be announced by director general Tony Hall in the coming months.
Formerly acting director of television, Linsey is taking the helm at the company's production arm, replacing Peter Salmon who announced his unexpected departure from the public broadcaster last month. Salmon is moving on to take up the role of chief creative officer at Endemol Shine, having only joined the BBC last July.
In his new role Linsey will be tasked with overseeing a plan to shift some the BBC's biggest shows, such as Eastenders and Top Gear, into a distinct £400m company. Over 2000 staff will be transferred in the move which will allow independent producers will be able to pitch for virtually all of the BBC’s output.
Linsey has over 20 years' experience in the industry, having held production roles at LWT and Tiger Aspect. In 2009 he was named the BBC's controller, entertainment commissioning.
The news of the permanent appointment has yet to be formal announced, but the Radio Times reported that it had been confirmed by multiple sources