The U.K.’s Royal Television Society (RTS) has appointed Sophie Jones its new CEO.
Britain’s leading forum for television and media confirmed the news on Monday. Jones is currently the British Phonographic Industry’s (BPI) chief strategy officer, having joined the music trade association — also home of the BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize — in 2020 as director of public affairs.
Prior to joining the BPI, Jones was head of corporate relations at Channel 4. She’ll take over from the RTS’s outgoing CEO Theresa Wise later this year, working closely with their board of trustees, as well as overseeing the Society’s educational activities, awards, conventions, national and regional centres, and membership community.
Jones said to be asked to lead the institution into its next phase is “a huge privilege.” She added: “Theresa leaves an impressive legacy that I look forward to building on with the support of the RTS’s brilliant team, board and network of volunteers around the U.K. I can’t wait to get started.”
Jane Turton, chair of the RTS board of trustees, described Jones’s experience of production and broadcasting as “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,” said Turton. “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.”
