BBC Exec Dan Leon Joins Howards End Producer Playground

Drama producer Playground, which is currently working on the new miniseries adaptation of Little Women for BBC and Masterpiece, has tapped Dan Leon for the newly created role of head of business affairs and director of operations.

Prior to joining Playground, Leon spent 11 years in the BBC’s rights and business affairs division, where he worked in both drama commissioning and, more recently, in the central commercial, rights and business affairs team. At Playground, Leon will be charged with managing the strategic growth and day-to-day running of the company. He reports to Colin Callender, the company’s founder and chairman.

Callender commented: “I first met Dan on Wolf Hall and was immediately impressed by his deep understanding of how the business and the creative imperatives of production intersect. He is a great addition to our management team and, as our production slate expands under Sophie’s leadership, Dan’s commercial and operational expertise will play a vital role in the company’s ability to take full advantage of rapidly changing television landscape.”

Sophie Gardiner, the company’s head of drama and executive creative director, said, “I am delighted to welcome Dan at this very exciting moment in Playground’s evolution as a company. As we continue to grow, Dan’s experience and insights will be invaluable and I look forward to having him at the heart of our talented team.”

Leon added: “Having had a wonderful time at the BBC and although sad to leave, I am very excited to be joining such a prestigious company as Playground. The company has an enviable track record and a prodigious slate of programs. I am looking forward to working with Colin and Sophie and the whole of the talented team to grow Playground.”