News
Jacqueline Hewer joins Leopard Films as Head of Daytime
Leopard Films' Todd Austin bolsters creative team with senior appointment across daytime
· BBC Daytime Commissioner Jacqueline Hewer joins Leopard Films as Head of Daytime
· Announcement marks Todd Austin's third major appointment since joining Leopard
· Further appointments to follow as Austin expands Leopard's creative breadth
Leopard Films, part of Argonon, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacqueline Hewer, former BBC Executive Editor, Daytime & Early Peak, into a newly created role as Head of Daytime.
Joining in July 2011, Hewer's role will see her take responsibility for all Leopard Films' daytime output with a strong emphasis on the creation of successful new formats and returning series. Whilst Hewer's remit will be focused on the UK market, the new role will see her develop projects with potential appeal across international territories, either through Argonon International or sister company Leopard Films USA.
Hewer will report directly to Todd Austin, Chief Creative Officer with responsibility for running Leopard Films' UK operation.
Todd Austin commented: "Jacqueline's appointment is another exciting step forward for Leopard Films and demonstrates our ambition to create a centre of excellence by bringing together the industry's most talented creatives across a range of genres. Leopard has a well-earned reputation for innovation in daytime and I am confident that Jacqueline's extensive knowledge of the audience will help us achieve further and greater success."
Jacqueline Hewer said: "This is a really exciting new challenge for me. I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Leopard and I'm looking forward to building on their already strong reputation in Daytime programming."
Hewer joined the BBC in 1995, working extensively across news and current affairs, before moving to daytime in 2006. Programme credits include Real Rescues and Saints and Scroungers, both of which were reversioned for peaktime on BBC One following successful daytime airings. Returning series credits included Homes Under the Hammer, Escape to the Country and Food Fighters. Hewer was also the executive across Wallace and Gromit's World of Inventions during a six month stint working in BBC Factual Features and Formats team.
Hewer's appointment is the latest in a series of senior roles announced by Austin, as he builds a senior team with extensive experience across a range of genres. This month, Leopard Films confirmed the appointment of Charlie Bunce as Head of Factual and Features from TalkbackTHAMES, where he was Editor of Factual Programmes. Bunce has been responsible for several major hit shows including Grand Designs, Slumming it with Kevin McCloud, Property Ladder, Great British Railway Journeys and Hospital Heroes. Bunce commented: "I am delighted to be joining Leopard Films at such an exciting time and look forward to playing my part in growing this hugely respected indie."