Sky's Turner Laing becomes BAFTA VP

Sophie Turner Laing, a senior director at satellite broadcaster Sky, has joined the British Academy of Film and Television Arts as vice president.

Turner Laing, who is currently Sky's managing director of entertainment, news & broadcast operations, succeeds former ITV executive chairman Michael Grade as BAFTA's vice president for television.

Working alongside vice president for film Duncan Kenworthy, Turner Laing will serve under the BAFTA presidency of Prince William.

Tuner Laing has been a BAFTA member since 2001 and was co-opted as a trustee on the Academy's board in 2006.

She started her broadcasting career in international distribution with Henson International Television, before co-founding Bob The Builder producer HiT Entertainment.

After stints at Flextech Television and the BBC, she joined Sky in a role overseeing all of the satellite broadcaster's channels, expect the Sky Sports bouquet.

"Sophie's influential television career, coupled with her dedication to the Academy, will make her a great ambassador of cultural excellence and I very much look forward to working with her," said the Academy's chairman Tim Corrie.

"She has been a staunch member of the board of trustees and I am sure she will bring the same energy and intellect to this new role. I'd also like to take this opportunity to extend my sincerest thanks to Michael Grade, who dedicated six years to the role of supporting and championing BAFTA's charitable activity in developing the art forms of the moving image."

Tuner Laing added: "I have been a passionate ambassador of BAFTA for many years. The Academy plays an extremely valuable and vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of British film, television and video games with the identification and honouring of excellence in these fields.

"I am truly honoured and delighted to accept the role of vice president and I look forward to continuing the stellar work of my predecessors."