BBC Worldwide COO Receives Barclay's Award

BBC Worldwide’s Sarah Cooper has received the Barclay's Corporate Business Award at the prestigious Women in Film and TV (WFTV) Awards.
Ms Cooper is the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of BBC Worldwide.
The awards, which celebrate the top women in film and TV industry, were held in London and were hosted by comedy writer and actress Miranda Hart.
"The Barclays Corporate Business Award attracted an impressive list of nominations this year," said WFTV’s Chief Executive Officer, Kate Kinninmont.
"And this year’s winner is truly outstanding on anyone’s power list. Sarah not only leads the teams providing legal support, rights negotiations, and policy/regulatory compliance, but she has also played a pivotal role in every major acquisition and partnership made by the organisation over the past 16 years. She masterminded the relocation of the company HQ and its 1,500 staff to a modern high tech centre, reflecting BBC Worldwide’s rapid transition into the digital age."
BBC Worldwide brought in more than £300 million in revenue last year following the international success of TV shows including Doctor Who, Top Gear, Lonely Planet, the international version of Strictly Come Dancing and Planet Earth.
"It’s great to see more women in top jobs in the UK film and TV industry. With this award Sarah Cooper has not only won the recognition she deserves, but also greater recognition for the role that women play on the operational side of the business," said Lorraine Ruckstuhl, Corporate Director, in the Media team at Barclays Corporate.
"Barclays Corporate has been heavily involved in the sector for almost 25 years and has seen the industry change dramatically. The economic crisis has added to the challenges, and with advertising revenues continuing to decline, and more consumers going online to view their favourite TV shows, the industry has had to develop new business models to survive. Sarah’s track record at BBC Worldwide is testament to her strong leadership skills and her ability to effectively manage this period of transition," continued Ruckstuhl.
Barclays Corporate banks 65% of the top 40 UK independent TV production companies, and works closely with hundreds of producers, directors, actors and crew to finance 40% of all UK film productions.
(LB)