The Royal Television Society (RTS) has appointed the BPI’s Sophie Jones as CEO.
Jones is currently the BPI’s chief strategy officer, having joined the music trade association in 2020 as director of public affairs.
As chief strategy officer she oversees public affairs, communications, music exports, member services, innovation and insights.
Prior to joining the BPI, Jones was head of corporate relations at Channel 4, where she worked on major public affairs and communications campaigns. She has also held similar senior roles at ITV and ITN.
Taking over from outgoing CEO Theresa Wise, who has led the Society since 2013, Jones will begin the role later this year. She will work closely with the RTS’s board of trustees, overseeing the RTS’ educational activities, awards, conventions, national and regional centres and membership community.
Jane Turton, chair of the RTS board of trustees, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sophie as the Royal Television Society’s new CEO. Sophie’s deep experience of production and broadcasting will be a valuable asset to the RTS as we continue to grow the Society, adapting to the demands of a very fast changing media world. Sophie is passionate about the educational aspects of the Society and the opportunities we have to support the sector in bringing in and developing career opportunities for the broadest base of talent.
“The trustees and I very much look forward to working with her as we continue to champion excellence and support new talent, ensuring that the Society remains a vibrant and inclusive home for the whole industry.”
Sophie Jones said: “Throughout my career in television, I have worked closely with and experienced the value of the Society’s vital work – from career development and invaluable insights, to championing the UK’s nations and regions and celebrating the art and science of television in its world class awards.
“To be asked to lead this wonderful institution into its next phase, at a time of such pivotal change, is a huge privilege that I take on with both enormous respect and excitement. Theresa leaves an impressive legacy that I look forward to building on with the support of the RTS’ brilliant team, Board and network of volunteers around the UK. I can’t wait to get started”.
She is a persuasive leader and has effectively influenced UK policymakers and our industry partners
Dr Jo Twist
Jones added: “My background before I joined the BPI was in television. I have always been aware of the vital work of the Royal Television Society, so to have this opportunity to join it now and lead it into its next phase, at a time of such pivotal change, is both hugely exciting and a great privilege for me. I shan’t be leaving until later this year, and I’ll have more to say then, not least in expressing my sincere thanks to Jo, YolanDa and to everyone that has supported me, but I have absolutely loved my time at the BPI since joining in 2020 and working with all the amazing people there and across our brilliant membership.
“I know that I will be able to look back on some amazing collaborative achievements that I will always feel proud of. I felt it would have to take something very special for me to move on from a music industry that I have come to love, but the RTS is exactly that – very special – and it feels a natural next step for me that I simply couldn’t say no to. In the meantime, there are of course many important issues and opportunities for our industry that I will continue to keep a close focus on as we work to secure the best outcomes for our BPI members.”
Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI CEO, said: “Sophie has been truly exceptional in her six-plus years with the BPI, joining as the pandemic hit, and taking on broader leadership responsibilities as both CSO and as interim CEO. She has shown a relentless commitment to growing British recorded music, championing the value and stories of human creativity as well as creating opportunity and inclusion for all. She is a persuasive leader and has effectively influenced UK policymakers and our industry partners through evidenced-based arguments that deliver positive but sustainable outcomes, not just for our label members and their artists but for the good of the wider industry.
“My profound personal thanks to Sophie for the amazing support she has given me, and on behalf of everyone at the BPI and across our membership. Having known Sophie for many years, first meeting when we both worked at Channel 4, I know she will do a wonderful job leading the Royal Television Society and will leave us with our thanks and best wishes.”
YolanDa Brown OBE DL, BPI chair, said: “It has been a true joy working with Sophie. Her drive, determination and passion for the music industry, our members and creative education have made a lasting impact at the BPI. As chief strategy officer, she has led with clarity and purpose plus her expertise in public affairs and lobbying has been invaluable.
“She will be greatly missed but we are also thrilled for her. I know how much this new role means to her and I have no doubt she will be an outstanding CEO of RTS. My personal thanks to Sophie for her remarkable contribution to the BPI, especially stepping up, with no hesitation, as interim CEO at BPI. She leaves a legacy we will continue to build on, and I wish her every success in this exciting next chapter.”
PHOTO: Louise Haywood-Schiefer
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