Kieron Collins, the former managing editor of BBC Entertainment North, is to join True North as its head of entertainment.
He takes up the new role later this month, as the indie prepares for growth in productions outside of London.
The company has also announced that executive producer, Fiona O’Sullivan will take on the role of head of factual entertainment and reality, as well as running its Manchester base.
“We’re delighted to have Kieron on board. He’s an experienced business winner and exec who is committed to developing talent and production in the North, and is ideally placed to exploit the industry’s call out for new entertainment shows,” said True North creative director, Andrew Sheldon.
Collins’ credits include A Question of Sport, Dragons’ Den and Mastermind as well as co-developing and exec producing the BBC One daytime quiz The Boss. Most recently he was executive producer on BBC One’s Even Better Than The Real Thing.
His brief at True North is to build the company’s entertainment slate across a range of broadcasters.
“True North have built a hugely successful business on a genuine commitment to out-of-London production, creating global content from the North of England. On top of that, they’re lovely people. And they have a drinks trolley in the office every Friday. It’s a dream job,” he said.
Last year Sky Vision took a majority stake in the company, which has bases in Leeds and Manchester.
