ScreenSkills, the skills body for the UK screen industries, has appointed former Channel 4 executive Sinead Rocks as its new CEO.
Rocks will take up the role in November. Lisa Opie will remain in post as executive chair until then, working with Rocks and the senior leadership team.
Rocks was recently managing director, nations and regions at Channel 4 from 2019 until earlier this year, overseeing the rollout of the broadcaster’s 4 All the UK strategy to increase its nations and regions creative content spend.
She also founded 4Skills, an initiative to tackle sector-wide gaps and nurture industry talent, and opened three regional Channel 4 centres – its national headquarters in Leeds and creative hubs in Bristol and Glasgow.
Prior to joining Channel 4, Rocks was director of education at the BBC, and played a key role in the corporation’s move to Salford in Manchester, by migrating the BBC’s Learning department to the North West. She has also chaired the Talent and Skills Working Group of the Creative Industries Council.
“Sinead’s career to date speaks of a strategic leader with a real passion for putting national and regional talent on the industry map,” said Opie.
“I know first-hand how important ScreenSkills is to the sector and the impact it has had,” said Rocks. “This is a time of real opportunity, helping employers and the workforce respond to emerging changes and making sure that no matter your background or circumstances, everyone has the support to access, sustain and progress through their careers in our sector. This is something I’m passionate about, and I can’t wait to get started and work with industry and government partners to ensure we build on the progress to date and meet the needs of this vital industry and its workforce in the future.”
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