BAL SAMRA is set to step down from his role as the BBC’s group commercial director next year after three decades with the UK broadcaster.
He started his career in the 1990s in current affairs and helped launched BBC News Online, News 24 and Radio 5 Live, according to a statement. Described as a “pioneer for change”, he played a key role in driving audiences from BBC News online to BBC iPlayer and more recently, BritBox.
“Bal has made a significant mark on our industry and on the BBC, connecting creativity to business opportunities for the benefit of audiences. His commercial acumen and skill are widely recognised and respected across the broadcasting industry,” BBC director general Tim Davie said.
As managing director of BBC Television, he re-designed the business to introduce more competition for creative ideas, developing more production out of London, and working with chief creative officer Charlotte Moore to help improve on-screen diversity in TV, the BBC said.
Samra established international partnerships and joint ventures and wrote the blueprint to create BBC Studios Production. Under his leadership, there was record commercial investment growth, it added, and he will lead some commercial projects in BBC Studios prior to his exit.
“The time for my next big adventure is now. I’ve a number of ideas to develop in the coming months. I’ve had an amazing and inspiring time at the BBC and will always be grateful for the opportunities and support it gave me,” said Samra.
Samra sits on the boards of the National Film & Television School and Ormiston Academies Trust as well as the commercial committee at Bafta. In addition, he chairs an industry fund for investment in immersive storytelling.
