BBC Names Suzy Klein Head of Arts & Classical Music TV

The BBC has tapped Suzy Klein to take on the newly created position of head of arts and classical music TV.

Klein, who will assume the role in October, will lead the BBC’s arts and classical music output on TV, driving audience reach and impact across the U.K. While her remit focuses on TV, iPlayer and Arts Digital, she’ll also be collaborating with radio and BBC Sounds.

In her new position, Klein will work to support British creativity by supporting the wider arts and music sectors to showcase the best of U.K. talent and deliver a range of distinctive arts and classical music content.

The head of arts and classical music TV position was created to see arts and classical music TV commissioning fully integrated into BBC Content as part of a new commissioning structure under the leadership of Patrick Holland, director of factual, arts and classical music.

Previously, Klein has served as a producer in BBC TV and radio production, as well as a writer and presenter working across the U.K.’s cultural sector.

Klein said: “I could not be more thrilled to be taking on this exciting new role, flying the flag for the best of arts, culture and classical music at the BBC. I joined the corporation almost 25 years ago, first as an arts and music researcher, then assistant producer, director and series producer, eventually going on to present some of the programs I most cherish. If my appointment represents something, it is a long-term commitment to the transformative power, inspiration and joy that the arts bring. That’s something I can’t wait to share with my brilliant commissioning team, as we work together to create the most compelling, unmissable programs for audiences across the U.K.”

Holland said: “I am so excited to be announcing Suzy Klein as our new head of arts and classical music. Suzy combines deep subject knowledge with a proselytizing passion for great arts and classical music broadcasting. Her vision for the future development of the genres on television and iPlayer made her the stand-out candidate for this most important of roles. She is an unrivaled communicator with brilliant relationships across the arts and classical music sectors and has a strong track record in production. She will be leading an exceptional team of commissioners in the genre, and we can’t wait for her to start.”