BBC unveils Lindsay Salt, Netflix script commissioner, as drama director, replacing Piers Wenger

The BBC has revealed Lindsay Salt, Netflix’s UK script commissioner, as the next director.

Salt replaces Piers Wenger, who left A24 earlier this year to head his international division alongside former BBC Films boss Rose Garnett. BBC Commissioner Ben Irving was filling the interim role and was expected to take it on a permanent basis with Channel 4 director Caroline Hollick.

Reporting to Anna Mensah, who was also linked to the work of the BBC, Salt worked for Netflix for three years and commissioned the likes of deer cub, One day, fuck the bucket, palomino Y half bad and work on various hits such as brooch Y A crown.

He directed the development of Sky Drama, during which he also worked with Mensah.

Salt will report to BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore, who said the move “taps into an exciting new era for BBC drama.”

“Lindsey has been responsible for an impressive range of shows and her experience as a curator underlines her passion for creating big hits and developing new and different voices,” she added. “BBC Drama is in excellent shape and has ambitious plans to develop her creative strategy and build her own distinctive portfolio which is unique to the BBC.”

Salt called the opportunity “too special to pass up”, saying that working for Netflix was “an absolute joy”.

Mensah added: “I really enjoyed working with Lindsay, both here on Netflix and previously on Sky. Lindsey has been instrumental in creating a fabulous commission for Netflix UK and we all wish her continued success.

The move is a double for Netflix shortly after British script director Chris Sussman announced his departure. BBC Theater Commissioner Mona Kureshi did the opposite earlier this year.

Salt’s work is among the most important in the world of British drama. She oversees an annual budget of around £ 400 million and oversees co-productions with the greatest American actors. Wenger was scrutinized during his tenure, but he largely rocked the BBC’s drama lineup, betting big on the likes of I can destroy Y Normal people Which has reaped the rewards.