BBC Studios has named two new hires to lead its northern divisions.
The BBC’s production arm has hired Damon Pattison as head of Entertainment North, while Pam Cavannagh has been appointed creative director.
Pattison will be based in Salford and Glasgow, leading strategy for entertainment outside London, while also implementing new editorial and business strategies with a view to growing the slate in the nations and regions.
He will report to BBC Studios’ recently appointed genre director for entertainment and music Suzy Lamb, when she joins in the new year.
Meanwhile, former BBC1 channel exec Cavannagh will be responsible for helping to grow the entertainment slates in Salford and Glasgow and support existing productions, having previously been commissioning editor for BBC Daytime.
The rejig comes with the exit of Kieron Collins, managing editor at BBC Entertainment North, who is leaving to pursue new opportunities.
Mark Linsey, director at BBC Studios, said: “Damon has a wealth of experience and is awash with fresh ideas. He is so passionate and creative and I know he will have a brilliant impact on BBC Studios’ entertainment teams in Glasgow and Salford.”
Linsey added that Cavannagh had “great knowledge and insight from her days in commissioning and a genuine flair for development that makes her a brilliant and exciting creative leader.”
