BBC Studios Productions COO Martha Brass Exits to Focus on Non-Executive Roles

BBC Studios Productions revealed Friday that chief operating officer Martha Brass will depart the company this summer to concentrate on her expanding portfolio of non-executive directorships and personal pursuits.

Brass, who joined the production powerhouse in September 2021, played a pivotal role during a transformative period that saw BBC Studios consolidate its content creation capabilities. During her tenure, she briefly oversaw the production business following former CEO Ralph Lee’s exit in March 2024, stewarding operations until new CEO and chief creative officer Zai Bennett took the helm in November.

The veteran exec was instrumental in BBC Studios’ 2022 strategic reorganization that merged its Productions and Content Partnerships divisions into a unified content outfit. This restructuring established four genre-based production areas — Scripted, Factual, Global Entertainment (formerly Global Formats Group), and Kids & Family (later joined by Audio) — creating a streamlined approach to creative and investment decisions across the company’s portfolio.

Under her operational leadership, BBC Studios Productions expanded its label footprint through strategic acquisitions including Voltage TV (U.K.), STV (Nordics), Werner (Australia) and Brutal (Spain), alongside minority investments in Turbine, Mothership, Mettlemouse and most recently Samphire Films. Brass also oversaw the commercialization of Children’s and Audio content following their transfer from the BBC’s public service arm.

An avid golf enthusiast with deep industry connections, Brass made history in October 2024 as the first female chair of England Golf, the national governing body for the sport. Her board positions include non-executive director of the PGA European Tour, chair of PGA European Tour Productions, and non-executive director of the British Golf Association. This month, she concluded her three-year board term at Screen Skills Limited.

Before joining BBC Studios, Brass built an international television career spanning executive roles at industry heavyweights including Pearson Television (now Fremantle Limited), 19 Entertainment, Endemol Shine Group, and Newen Studios, working with production teams behind global hit formats like “American Idol,” “Big Brother,” and “Masterchef.”

“I’d like thank Martha for her stewardship of BBC Studios Productions last year and the support she has shown me since I joined,” said Bennett. “Her legacy is one of a laser-focused, tireless desire to champion the business at the most senior level whilst ensuring that everyone across the production family is set up and supported to deliver their very best work. I wish her all the best for the future.”

Tom Fussell, CEO BBC Studios, added: “It’s been such a great pleasure working with and getting to know Martha in her time at BBC Studios. The energy and passion she brought to the business has been immense and she’s been an important part of our growth story. We send her on to her next endeavours with great affection and thanks.”

Reflecting on her departure, Brass commented: “I couldn’t have closed my more than 25-year executive career in international television in a better place than BBC Studios. The business has grown significantly, delivering fantastic programming to audiences around the world and growing its investment and dividend contributions to the BBC. I’m proud to have been a part of that growth and to have worked with brilliant colleagues who share the values, passion and ambition that underscore the worldwide reputation of the BBC.”