The British Film Institute (BFI) has refreshed its executive board and promoted Rishi Coupland to executive director of industry development and innovation, and given an expanded remit to deputy CEO Harriet Finney to oversee fundraising and enterprise.
From December 1, Coupland, formerly the BFI’s director of research and innovation, will lead a newly-formed industry development and innovation department.
He will oversee teams working across skills and workforce development, audience development, research and innovation, certification and video games, evaluation and sustainability.
According to the BFI, he has been tasked with “helping the screen sector grow with confidence, harnessing new technology, from the creative potential of AI to the challenges of sustainability, to support a resilient and forward-looking screen industry”.
“Rishi’s appointment marks a major step in how we support the UK’s screen sector, connecting research, skills, audiences, innovation and sustainability to build a more resilient and forward-looking industry,” said Ben Roberts, BFI chief executive. “He has a deep understanding of how data and evidence can drive cultural progress.
Partnerships
Finney will now lead a new corporate affairs and partnerships department. She will continue to lead on the BFI’s engagement with government, local and international screen-sector stakeholders and independent filmmaking communities through the National Lottery filmmaking funds and the expanded UK Global Screen Fund.
Her expanded role also aims to strengthen the BFI’s international philanthropic activities, including the recently launched BFI America.
“Harriet’s expanded role will strengthen the BFI’s relationships across the sector and beyond,” added Roberts. “She is one of the most respected figures in the screen industries, a trusted voice with the experience and authority to champion the UK’s creative ambition, and the industrial and charitable work of the BFI, at home and internationally.”
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