ViacomCBS’s Maria Kyriacou to Chair Creative Diversity Network

Maria Kyriacou, the president of ViacomCBS Networks UK and Australia, is to become the new chair of the Creative Diversity Network (CDN), which is leading efforts to increase diversity on and off screen within the U.K.’s TV industry.

Kyriacou succeeds Jill Offman, who stepped down following her departure from ViacomCBS.

The CDN is meant to inspire, encourage and support the U.K. television industry to expand diversity and inclusion. The industry body members include BAFTA, BBC, Channel 4, ViacomCBS, ScreenSkills, Pact, ITN, ITV, S4C and Sky.

Kyriacou said: “I look forward to championing the vital work that CDN is doing at a time when actionable diversity and inclusion initiatives has never been more important. As CDN’s chair, my aim is to put CDN and its diversity monitoring tool, Diamond, at the center of discussions with broadcasters and producers, in order that we can collectively work towards improving representation in all spheres of our sector.”

Deborah Williams, executive director of CDN, added: “I’m delighted that Maria will be taking over as chair of CDN and looking forward to working with her and our partners to deliver our ambitious program of activities. Her appointment could not be more timely: ensuring that diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the industry’s recovery from COVID-19 and ensuring that broadcasters, platforms, producers and the entire supply chain properly reflect the lives and ambitions of everyone is key to ensuring that the U.K. television industry not just survives but thrives.”