In a reversal of the usual exec moves from UK networks to streamers, BBC has hired Netflix‘s scripted executive Lindsay Salt to serve as drama director, a position considered one of the most prestigious and influential in British TV.
Salt replaces Piers Wenger, who left earlier this year to join A24 as part of his major International push.
Joined Netflix since 2019, where she was part of the UK’s first scripting team and founded the new slate with Anne Mensah, including Salt’s committees Baby Reindeer, One day, The F*** it bucket, palomino and half bad. She also worked on several shows, including: heart stopper and The crown season 5.
“Lindsay’s appointment heralds an exciting new era for BBC Drama,” said Charlotte Moore, BBC’s head of content. “She has been responsible for an impressive array of shows and her track record as a commissioner underscores her passion for creating big hits and developing new and diverse voices.”
Moore also described Salt as an “inspiring creative leader with a sophisticated understanding of British public tastes”, adding that this placed her “perfectly placed to lead the genre into the future with work that will continue to push the boundaries and will disrupt mainstream.”
Salt will report directly to Moore when she starts in the fall. Until then, Ben Irving will continue as acting director.
“My time at Netflix under the generous and visionary direction of Anne Mensah has been a total joy,” said Salt. “However, the opportunity to join the BBC was too special to ignore. Drama programming is revered around the world and I can’t wait to get started with the world-class team, empowering talent and producers to create iconic shows that stand the test of time. What a privilege to build on that legacy and find and cherish the stories that will lead us into the next pivotal phase of the BBC.”
Before joining Netflix, Salt was head of development at Sky Drama UK, where she led the development of Sky One and Sky Atlantic and worked on a variety of projects ranging from The Lazarus project until The third day. She began her career at Left Bank Pictures, where she worked on a range of productions and development, both as a producer and script editor.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Lindsay, both here at Netflix and previously on Sky,” said Netflix VP of Content Mensah. “Lindsay has been instrumental in building our slate at Netflix UK with fantastic assignments such as One day, half bad and palomino. I know she will be just as brilliant at the BBC and we will all cheer for her future success.”