Derek McLean appointed Creative Director, BBC Entertainment and Events

Katie Taylor, BBC Head of Entertainment, has appointed Derek McLean, currently Head of Objective North, to the newly created post of Creative Director, BBC Entertainment and Events.

This appointment is a further step on the rung of Taylor’s restructure of the department since she took over in April this year and will complement her senior team.

Derek will work alongside Katie, driving the creative ambition and development slates of the department across all BBC output and help the department to win new business.

At Objective North, Derek’s commissions include the BBC One summer hit John Bishop’s Britain, two new shows starring Peep Show’s Robert Webb, for Channel 4, as well as a new reality series for Channel 4.

Prior to this, Derek worked as a series producer and executive producer at Endemol and as a producer and series producer at both BBC Format Entertainment and ITV Studios.

During his career, he has executive produced, series produced and produced on some of the biggest brands on television – including Big Brother (Channel 4), I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! (ITV1/ITV2), Strictly Dance Fever (BBC One/BBC Three), 8 Out Of 10 Cats (Channel 4) and The Match (Sky One).

In the last three years, he has launched a number of new shows, including Would I Lie To You? (BBC One), Charlie Brooker’s Screen Wipe (BBC Four), Frankie Boyle’s New sketch Show, Tramadol Nights (Channel 4), and The Wall, with Alexa Chung, on BBC Three.

Katie Taylor says: “I’m thrilled that Derek is joining BBC In House Entertainment where with his excellent talent relationships and programme making flair he will undoubtedly create the next innovative programme formats to delight millions of viewers.”

Derek McLean says: "Katie and I intend to unveil a huge banner at TVC proclaiming that the department is ’Under New Management’ and I look forward to the challenge of keeping the great British public glued to their seats.

“The department is full of hugely talented people and it will be fantastic to work with them and to make great telly to entertain the nation.”