Deutchman has taught at the university’s school of the arts for 24 years and succeeds Jamal Joseph, who has stepped down after five years.

The veteran film executive has taught at Columbia for 24 years and founded the MFA programme in creative producing in 2009, which added the study of television and new media producing to the curriculum.

“I’m privileged to be taking on the chairmanship of the film programme at this auspicious time,” Deutchman said. “Under Jamal Joseph’s leadership, the programme has emerged as the leading programme of its kind in the world.”

Dean of Columbia University School Of The Arts Carol Becker made the announcement.