TVDRAMA
Andy Harries, founder and CEO of The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures, is planning to exit his post and transition to the role of executive chairman in 2026.
The newly created post will see Harries continue to provide oversight and guidance on the creative direction of the company while playing a key role in the company’s long-term goals, maintaining strategic relationships for the business on the global stage. Harries will also continue in his role as executive producer on key current and future Left Bank Pictures titles, including the forthcoming adaptation of James Graham’s Dear England, Stephen Butchard’s This City Is Ours and Scott Frank’s new detective series for Netflix, Department Q.
He will remain in position as chief executive until a replacement is in post. He has served in this role since founding the company 18 years ago.
Wayne Garvie, president of international production at Left Bank parent company Sony Pictures Television, said: “Legend is an over-used term—except for Andy Harries. He is a television legend, and at Left Bank Pictures, he has built one of the great global drama labels. Left Bank shows are clever, cheeky and creative, like the man himself. Everyone at Sony is overjoyed that we are going to continue our relationship with him in this new role.”
Harries said: “These are interesting times. Our business is changing at lightning speed, and this new role means that I can focus on how Left Bank continues to meet the creative and financial challenges of producing top-end U.K. drama in a challenging environment. But this isn’t me picking up the proverbial pipes and slippers! We have some terrific shows coming up, and I’m excited to continue to be involved with them—and a few others we have up our sleeves. I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Left Bank over the last 18 years, the programs and the team we have built, and looking forward to being part of the next chapter in the story.”
