John Willis takes over as BAFTA Chair

by Naman Ramachandran

28/06/2012 - John Willis is the new Chair of the BAFTA, replacing Tim Corrie. Willis has been a Trustee of the Academy since 2007, serving as Chairman of the Television Committee before becoming Deputy Chairman of the Academy last year.

A recipient of four BAFTA nominations and one win (for Johnny Go Home, Best Factual Programme in 1976), Willis started his career at Yorkshire Television where he directed a string of award-winning documentaries including Johnny Go Home and Alice - A Fight for Life. In 1988 he moved to Channel 4 as Controller of Factual Programmes before being promoted to Director of Programmes in 1993. During his time at Channel 4 successes included Trainspotting, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Cutting Edge, Father Ted, Big Breakfast and True Stories. He is currently Chief Executive of Mentorn Media and Group Creative Director of Tinopolis plc.

Willis said, “Sir David Lean was the first Chairman of the organisation that became BAFTA, and 65 years later it is a daunting responsibility, and indeed a great honour, to step into such giant shoes. I look forward to enhancing the amazing cultural and learning work that BAFTA does, as a charity, throughout the UK and in the USA. We have a duty not only to identify and reward excellence but to inspire future generations, so my efforts will be focussed on harnessing the unique body of talent and experience of our membership, in pursuit of our charitable goals.”