BBC Studios and UKTV head of acquisitions was 50
Melanie Rumani, the global head of acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV, died after a long fight against cancer, was announced on Tuesday. She was 50.
Rumani came to BBC Studios for the first time in 2006 and held various functions in sales and takeovers before they were promoted to the global head of acquisitions for both BBC Studios and UKTV in 2020.
“Mel’s contribution to BBC Studios and the wider BBC group cannot be underestimated, and it was a privilege to work with her,” said Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios, in a statement. “She was fearless and persistent in her approach to making Deal, and this translated into how she also approached daily life. We are all in total admiration about how she tackled her illness and her determination to keep working despite the challenges presented. Mel is greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure with her and our thoughts are and our thoughts are and our thoughts are and our thoughts are and our thoughts and thoughts and thoughts and thoughts and thoughts and thoughts.”
Before you also record UKTV, at BBC Studios Rumani sourced content for 40 pay TV channels and SVOD BBC brand services around the world. She played an important role in launching new channels, including BBC Earth, BBC Brit and BBC first, in several areas. After taking the newly created dual role as the worldwide head of acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV, Rumani was responsible for forging a series of global deals with many different studios. “Melanie worked with hundreds of people in the BBC group and she touched the lives of many,” reads a press release in which her death reads. “She will be missed enormously.”
The UKTV CEO Marcus Arthur added: “Mel had incredible resilience and she brought a quick energy and determination to everything she approached. Her wealth of knowledge was incredible, and she was highly regarded in the industry for her expertise and professionalism. Mel was also funny and passionate.
