Melanie Rumani, global head of acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV, has died after a long battle with cancer. She was 50.
Rumani joined BBC Studios in 2006, holding various positions within sales and acquisitions until her most recent role. Her contribution to the business has been described as immense, sourcing content for 40 individual pay TV channels and SVOD BBC-branded services globally, as well as helping to launch new channels across multiple territories including BBC Earth, BBC Brit and BBC First.
The exec, as global head of acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV, delivered a raft of global deals with a number of studios.
“Mel’s contribution to BBC Studios and the wider BBC Group cannot be underestimated, and it was a privilege to work with her,” said BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell. “She was fearless and tenacious in her approach to deal-making, and this translated into how she approached everyday life too. We are all in total admiration of how she tackled her illness and her determination to continue working despite the challenges that presented.
“Mel is going to be hugely missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with her and our thoughts are with Mel’s husband Hass and her wider family and friends.”
Marcus Arthur, CEO at UKTV, added: “Mel had incredible resilience, and she brought a fast-paced energy and determination to everything she tackled. Her wealth of knowledge was incredible, and she was highly regarded in the industry for her expertise and professionalism.”
“Mel was also funny, kind and passionate,” he continued. “She was an inspiration to all of us and our thoughts are with Mel’s husband and our much-loved colleague Hass, at this terribly sad time.”