Davis will now be responsible for BFI’s international strategy, while continuing to track international filmmaking talent who might partner with the UK.

Isabel Davis has taken on the newly expanded role of Head of International at the British Film Institute. Ben Roberts announced the news last night at a UK reception. Davis had been at the UK Film Council since 2006 and she transferred to the BFI in 2011. Before joining the UKFC, she was Head of Development at HomeRun Film Development.

She will now be responsible for the BFI’s international strategy working across cultural exchange, international co-production, external partners, inward investment and film export. She will also continue to track international filmmaking talent who might partner with the UK.

She continues to report to Ben Roberts, who said: “Isabel is an extremely well-liked and much respected executive in the international filmcommunity. She is a big asset for the BFI and the UK industry. Congratulations to her on this strengthened role that will help us deliver a fruitful international strategy on behalf of UK film.”

Davis said: “Bringing together the commercial and cultural interests of British film at the BFI has provided a unique opportunity to enhance our international profile across the cultural, creative and commercial spectrum. This is a fantastic chance to look afresh at UK film internationally and I look forward to working with our partners to achieve this.”

Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, added: “The BFI is hugely ambitious for British film on the international stage, and we fully understand the importance of focusing on this significant growth area for the benefit of UK PLC. Isabel has a thorough understanding of the international film arena and I know she will be a universally popular appointment to this important role.”