BAFTA North America appoints Joyce Pierpoline as Chair

Producer Joyce Pierpoline has been named Chair of the Board of Directors of BAFTA North America. She succeeds Kathryn Busby.

Pierpoline’s credits include: Mediha, Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at DOC NYC 2023, Angelica (2016) and Sundance winner Teeth (2007). She founded Pierpoline Films in New York and Paris, chairs BAFTA North America’s film committee and co-founded the Producers Guild of America’s Women’s Impact Network.

Participant CEO David Linde also joins the BAFTA North America Board of Directors today. Linde was previously CEO and owner of Lava Bear Films, chairman of Universal Pictures and co-founder of Focus Features. Actor Elliot Knight will continue his term on the board of BAFTA North America as vice chairman, Betsy Rodgers (director of corporate and legal affairs, global content distribution) as secretary and Josephine Coyle (director of post-production finance, Disney) as treasurer.

BAFTA North America’s expanded board includes Alexis Alexanian (Film and Television Producer), Tara Grace (Executive/Producer), Sally Habbershaw (EVP of the Americas for All3 Media), Dame Pippa Harris (Film and Television Producer), Nyasha Hatendi (actress/writer/director), Tracy Ifeachor (actress and entrepreneur), Alexa Jago (producer and president of New Horizon Pictures), Jon Katz (film and television producer, founder of Civilian 7 Entertainment), Frank Marshall (producer and director) , Marc Samuelson (Founder, Route 24 Ltd) and Jonathan Sehring (Co-Founder and Partner, Sideshow Pictures).

Commenting on her appointment, Joyce Pierpoline said: “I am delighted to take over the role of Chair of BAFTA North America from Kathryn Busby, who has done such an excellent job during her tenure.” I look forward to the future of BAFTA North America and will continue to “Work with my fellow board members to ensure that BAFTA’s charitable work reflects the brilliance of our region’s film, games and television industries.”

Sara Putt, BAFTA chair, added: “I am delighted to be working with Joyce. Collaboration is vital to the success of BAFTA’s charitable work both here in the UK and in America and I look forward to continuing to work with the BAFTA North America Council to further support our screen industries.”