VICE Exec Tapped for Factual at BBC Studios Productions

VICE Media Group’s Kate Ward has been appointed managing director for factual at BBC Studios Productions.

Ward will oversee all BBC Studios’ factual production units and partnerships, with responsibility for the overall strategy, creative health, pipeline and production capability across the genre. She joins from VICE Media Group, where she serves as president of global studios and Pulse Films.

The role, previously held by Tom McDonald, was expanded in February when BBC Studios brought together its production and content businesses. The post reports to Ralph Lee, CEO of BBC Studios Productions.

Lee said: “Our factual portfolio, with the natural history, docs and science units at its heart and a range of brilliant indie partners, is critical to our success and growth, so I’m delighted to have attracted a leader of Kate’s caliber to the MD role. She has both an infectious passion for great documentary storytelling and a deep understanding of the content market. I can’t wait to start working with her and building on the success story of factual at BBC Studios.”

Ward commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining BBC Studios and to be working with the world leading program makers and iconic brands that make up the factual portfolio. The appetite for factual programming from both audiences and broadcasters alike continues to boom, and I’m hugely excited to be part of factual at BBC Studios as it is set to reach even greater heights. I am grateful for my time at VICE and proud of what we achieved together.”