The TV Collective’s Breakthrough Leaders is celebrating its fifth anniversary by unveiling a new cohort of 50 television and digital professionals for the programme.
Since its launch in 2020, the programme has elevated senior level talent by providing them with enhanced skills, connections, and opportunities to advance their leadership and drive meaningful change.
The programme is backed by Fremantle, who have partnered with the programme every year since its launch. In 2025, they are joined by Paramount UK, ITV Studios, BBC, Channel 4, and Prime Video.
Each year, Breakthrough Leaders identifies and invests in standout creatives, producers, directors, commissioners, and executives who are shaping the future of television and digital media.
Among this year’s cohort are Becky Singh, comedy producer and writer (Kevin Hart’s Netflix special, World Stands Up); Jami Chan, globally experienced Production Executive (Black Mirror S7, The Diplomat S2, Star Wars: The Last Jedi); Zeb Achonu, BAFTA- and RTS-winning editor (Ladies First, White Nanny Black Child); Ryan Samuda, award-winning Director/Producer (We Are Black and British, Glow Up); and Kaio Grizzelle, Digital Commissioning Executive at Channel 4.0, driving groundbreaking youth formats.
The programme includes bespoke masterclasses led by top industry professionals, mentorship from senior executives at leading broadcasters and studios, personalised career coaching tailored to their individual journeys and group coaching led by industry coach and business strategist Remy Blumenfeld, who also co-devised the programme.
Simone Pennant MBE, Founder of The TV Collective and Breakthrough Leaders, said: “Over the past five years, we’ve seen the real impact of investing in future leaders. This programme has propelled careers, created opportunities, and built a network of change-makers who are actively transforming our industry. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on breaking barriers and ensuring talent in all forms, has the access, support, and recognition needed to thrive at the highest levels.”
Amelia Brown, CEO, Fremantle UK, said: “Now more than ever, programmes like Breakthrough Leaders are vital in driving meaningful and lasting change in helping to build a more inclusive and representative industry. The dedication and vision from Simone is unmatched and her work has been instrumental in shaping its future. Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible impact of Breakthrough Leaders – not only across Fremantle and our labels, but across the wider industry. We’re immensely proud to continue our support and look forward to welcoming the new cohort as they take this next step in their careers.”
Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Paramount UK, said: “Over the last five years, The TV Collective has done important work to give our emerging leaders the foundation they need to keep honing their vision for our industry. I’m excited for the new cohort of Breakthrough Leaders – TV leadership needs a range of experiences and backgrounds to reflect our audiences and keep pace with evolving trends. The TV Collective’s fantastic initiative also helps establish a strong support system for the participants at a critical point in their leadership development.”
Tim Carter, Managing Director, Unscripted, UK, ITV Studios, said: “The TV Collective’s work in developing future leaders is vital and their nurturing, coaching, and leadership programmes are unparalleled. It is always a privilege to welcome the next cohort. ITV values this partnership, and we are proud of the role we play in helping to build a more inclusive and interesting media industry, that represents the audience that we make programmes for.”
Jessica Schibli, Head of Creative Diversity at BBC , said: “The Breakthrough Leaders Programme is about more than career progression — it’s about equipping talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to truly break through and lead with purpose and impact. At the BBC, we believe leadership should reflect the richness and diversity of the audiences we serve. That’s why we’re proud to support this programme in its fifth year, as it continues to build a dynamic, inclusive pipeline of leaders who are already shaping the future of our industry.”
Neila Butt, Creative Equity Lead at Channel 4, said: “It’s in Channel 4’s DNA to represent the whole of the UK and elevate unheard voices. Part of this is to ensure the next generation of senior leaders across the industry reflects this purpose and that they are supported to take the reins in their respective fields, so we’re delighted to be part of this very important programme with The TV Collective.”
Staff Reporter
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