BAFTA appoints Krishnendu Majumdar as chairperson; Emmy-winning TV producer succeeds Pippa Harris

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) appointed Emmy-winning television producer Krishnendu Majumdar as chairperson, making him the first person of colour assigned for the role in 73 years, and the youngest in 35 years.

The decision to appoint the Sick of It  TV producer, who has been deputy chair for one year, was made at BAFTA's digital Annual General Meeting on Monday. His tenure as chair will run for the next three years.

Check out the announcement here

We are excited to confirm the appointment of @KrishMajumdar as BAFTA’s Chair. The EMMY-winning and BAFTA-nominated television producer and director will hold the post for the next three years. https://t.co/IYTneTwLTo

— BAFTA (@BAFTA) June 2, 2020

Majumdar succeeds Pippa Harris, whose producing credits include 1917, and continues as deputy chair.

"This year has been difficult and turbulent for many in our industry, working with Pippa, BAFTA's talented and committed staff and membership, I want BAFTA to be at the heart of rebuilding the industry post-COVID," Variety quoted Krishnendu Majumdar's statement.

"It is vital to ensure that we support people of all backgrounds, races, and genders. Diversity and inclusion are crucial for the lifeblood of BAFTA, and we will continue to be a leader for real change across our industry," he added.

He has closely contributed to BAFTA for 14 years and has been the chair of the Learning and New Talent committee (2006 -2010), the chair of the Television Committee (2015-2019), and a member of the Board of Trustees for nine years.

(With inputs from Asian News International)