Chris Sussman moves from commissioning

The BBC has announced that Chris Sussman will be  its new head of comedy production.

Already a commissioning editor, the executive will become head of comedy of the newly formed BBC Studios from the start of April.

He will manage the existing slate of in-house productions across TV, radio and online and take the lead in developing new hit shows.

Sussman's comedy background includes writing on  Monkey Dust and The Peter Serafinowicz Show and producing comedy at independent companies before moving to the BBC five years ago.

As commissioning editor, his credits include Bad Education, Cuckoo, Rev, Not Going Out, Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe, People Just Do Nothing and Him & Her: The Wedding.

Mark Freeland, the BBC's controller of fiction and Entertainment, says: 'Deservedly, Chris has a great reputation in the industry, based on his knowledge and passion for comedy, plus his incredibly trusted editorial eye. I am really excited to get the chance to work with him, standing up for comedy at the BBC and beyond.'

Sussman added: 'Pretty much all of the shows I loved growing up - Hancock, Fawlty Towers, Blackadder, Steptoe & Son, Dad's Army, One Foot In The Grave, The Office, etc - had a BBC logo at the end of them, and the current slate includes some of the best and most watched comedies on TV at the moment. I can't wait to get started, and hope I can do justice to this brilliant legacy.'

And Shane Allen, controller of comedy commissioning, said: 'Chris eats, sleeps and breathes comedy, and his track record demonstrates impeccable taste. I’m gutted to lose him from commissioning as his finger is very much on the comedy pulse... He’s a highly regarded, hardworking and very articulate industry figure.'

 Sussman effectively replaces the former head of comedy production, Myfanwy Moore, who is leaving the BBV after less than two years in the job for 'personal reasons'

Published: 8 Mar 2016