Jane Wright, Managing Director of BBC Films, is stepping down from her role at the end of November to “explore several new opportunities in film.”

The announcement today confirms several months of industry talk that Wright was departing BBC Films.

A BBC spokeswoman noted that the position would not be filled, and Wright’s duties would be amalgamated into existing roles at BBC Films.

Wright first joined BBC Films to work on marketing and film investment, before moving to become VP of Co-Productions and Sales for BBC Worldwide Americas. She was appointed Head of Business Development for BBC Films in 1998. In 2000, she was seconded the film distributor The Sales Company as interim CEO, working on projects including Bend It Like Beckham and No Man’s Land.

In 2001, Wright returned to BBC Films as Head of Rights & Business Affairs; she became MD in 2009. Her recent executive producer credits include West Is West.

Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, said in a statement: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Jane for the significant contribution she’s made to BBC Films over the past 15 years. Jane’s depth of knowledge about the film industry has helped to shape our strategy and position BBC Films right at the heart of the British film industry. I’m sure that you’ll all join me in wishing her well as she embarks on this new phase of her career.”

Wright added: “I’m incredibly proud of what’s been achieved at BBC Films over the past 15 years  It’s in fantastic shape and I feel I have fulfilled everything I’d ever hoped to at BBC Films – now an extremely attractive partner for top British talent and the international film industry, and very much valued by the BBC. It feels like the right time to move on and explore new challenges. I’ve loved working with so many talented filmmakers on so many wonderful films and I look forward to working with them and my BBC Films colleagues in my future endeavours.”

Gurinder Chadha said: “I’ve known Jane for a long time and I’ve always found her to be open, responsive and encouraging to filmmakers. Furthermore i have witnessed her enthusiastic commitment to our industry above and beyond the call of duty at many functions internationally.”

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