Jane Root is to leave BBC to join Discovery Networks
as executive vice president and general manager of the Discovery Channel
in the US.
Jana Bennett, BBC Director of Television, said: "Jane
is an exceptional creative talent who has inspired programme makers
- both in house and independent - to deliver bigger and better ideas
for the audience.
"From The Office to Great Britons and Eroica, Jane's
energy and passionate commitment to backing the best talent and developing
the most ambitious programmes are very much in evidence on the screen.
"And, with programmes like Restoration and The
Big Read, she also pushed for them to have a life beyond the screen
and took them out into communities across the UK.
"Jane's contribution to BBC TWO, steering it to
two Channel of the Year awards, and to BBC Television as a whole has
been enormous and I warmly wish her well in her new role at Discovery.
"However, I don't feel that this is really a departure.
Although she won't be with us in the UK, her presence in Washington
will strengthen the thriving partnership between the BBC and Discovery
in the US. We look forward to continuing to work with her in the future."
Mark Byford, Acting Director General BBC, said: "Jane
Root has been an outstanding creative leader of BBC TWO spearheading
a wide range of outstanding landmark programmes and events and original
work across drama, factual, comedy, current affairs and music.
"We all wish her well with her new job and thank
her for her brilliant contribution while here at the BBC."
Announcing her appointment, Jane Root has commented:
"It's been the worst kept secret in the whole of British television,
but I can finally confirm that I am leaving BBC TWO for Discovery.
"It was a hard decision to make, leaving the BBC
and BBC TWO in particular will be difficult. TWO is a very hard channel
to say goodbye to: it's got such a strong personality, and so many brilliant
people contribute to it. I've completely loved the past five years.
"But Discovery is also a great place, and a special
partner to the BBC, so I am really excited about the challenges ahead."
Jane will leave the BBC mid-May. Her position as Controller
of BBC TWO will be advertised immediately.
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