Menna Richards to leave BBC Wales

The BBC has announced that BBC Wales director Menna Richards is to step down from her post next year after more than a decade at the corporation.

Under Richards's leadership, BBC Cymru has become the home to various hit BBC shows, such as Doctor Who, Sherlock, Torchwood, Merlin, Last Chance To See and Tribe.

In a message to staff, BBC director general Mark Thompson said that Richards had led a "creative transformation" at BBC Wales.

"Menna has been an outstanding director of BBC Wales, who has combined strong creative leadership with an excellence in management," said Thompson.

"I'd like to thank Menna personally for her superb professionalism, dedication and loyalty over the past decade."

Russell T. Davies, the former Doctor Who writer, added: "When I came back home to work in Wales, it was amazing to meet Menna and to find a creative leader who was truly fearless - and great fun, too!

"But she's a crusader for talent and has opened up opportunities for so many people, in so many ways, leaving Welsh culture immeasurably better and richer and bolder."

Richard's creative transformation has also seen work start on the new BBC drama production centre at Cardiff Bay, which will be home to Casualty when it opens next summer.

Speaking to BBC Wales staff, Richards said that she was "truly privileged" to have worked alongside a "talented and committed" team serving the people of Wales.

"I never had any doubt that Wales had the talent to make a real difference both here in Wales and on the UK stage and it's your passion and determination that has taken us on this extraordinary journey together. I'm absolutely certain that that same passion and determination will continue to drive BBC Wales forward," she said.

"We make a huge contribution to the life of Wales in all its aspects: social, cultural and political. As the national broadcaster, our role in helping define a nation has never been so important or so precious."

Prior to joining BBC Wales as controller in 2000, Richards was managing director of HTV Wales. In the New Years Honours list, she was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting. She will leave the BBC in spring 2011.