Exec to join Have I Got News For You makers Hat Trick

Jon Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy, is leaving the corporation after five years in the job. 

He is joining independent production company Hat Trick – makers of Have I Got News For You, Derry Girls and Smoggie Queens – as creative director.

Its founder and managing director, Jimmy Mulville, said: ‘Everyone here is beyond excited to have Jon join us. I've watched with great admiration as he guided BBC comedy through its most successful and creative period in a long time. Shows like Ludwig, Amandaland, Alma's Not Normal and Small Prophets, to name but a few, demonstrate his extraordinary range and impeccable taste. 

‘Jon and Hat Trick both share the same comedy DNA and we can't wait to start working with him.  We feel very honoured that he has chosen Hat Trick as his new home.’

Petrie started his career at Talkback Productions, before moving to Roughcut Television in 2008, making internet shorts for BBC Comedy. Early credits included Misery Bear, Cardinal Burns and Doc Brown. He went on to nurture talent, including Anna And Katy and Stath Lets Flats for Channel 4 and the BBC’s  People Just Do Nothing, where he was executive producer from series 4. 

In 2019 he was appointed comedy commissioning editor for Channel 4, before a short stint as head of comedy at Charlie Brooker’s indie, Broke and Bones, before joining the BBC in 2021.

He said: ‘Leaving the BBC after five brilliant years is a huge wrench. It is an extraordinary place, full of wildly talented, decent and funny people, and I feel incredibly lucky to have worked under [chief content officer] Kate Phillips’ leadership.

‘Hat Trick is the OG of the independent production community, and taking on the role of creative director feels like a rare and properly exciting opportunity. I grew up seeing that logo at the end of shows I loved, which is both exciting and a fairly brutal reminder of my age. 

‘Jimmy and the team have a genuinely forward-looking vision across scripted, short form and AI, and while I know it is a tricky time to turn from gamekeeper to poacher, I’ve missed production and I firmly believe British comedy still has huge opportunities ahead of it. I’m excited to help build what comes next.’

As well as his programming slate – which also includes the likes of Such Brave Girls, Things You Should Have Done, Ghosts, Here We Go and the Gavin and Stacey finale – Petrie also established the BBC Comedy Festival during his tenure, which has just marked its fifth year in Liverpool. 

He will leave the BBC in August and take up his role later this year. 

Commissioning editor Emma Lawson will step up as interim director of comedy with immediate effect, with a search for a permanent replacement set to start soon.

Phillips added: ‘Jon has had a huge impact since joining the BBC five years ago and has been British comedy’s biggest backer by far. 

‘I’m very sad to see him go, but he leaves on a comedy high. Jon’s vision and drive have delivered a remarkable number of hit shows, reflecting his commitment to giving original voices the space to take risks. 

‘Under Jon’s leadership it’s been a terrific time for the genre, with the BBC securing 8 out of the top 10 comedy programmes across the market last year and three recent Bafta wins. 

‘Jon and his brilliant team believe passionately in the importance of simply making people laugh. They’ve always fought for the industry in these challenging times and understand just how vital the BBC’s role is in supporting the genre. 

‘On a personal note, while I’m excited for Jon and wish him loads of luck, I’m going to miss working with him hugely, as will so many colleagues. It’s the worst comedy punchline of all.’

Published: 1 Jun 2026