Avalon MD heads for BBC Vision

Managing director of Avalon Television, Sally Debonnaire, is to join BBC Vision Studios.

Debonnaire, whose credits include The Apprentice, The Lost Prince and Harry Hill's TV Burp, will become controller of production operations, overseeing production management for the 17 studios in the group.

A former chief opertaing officer of indie Talkback Thames, Debonnaire will report into the group's chief creative director Peter Salmon and director of operations and rights Bal Samra.

Salmon said: "Sally is one of the most highly regarded and popular team leaders in the UK independent sector, with a major track record in some of the most challenging areas of content."

"As our 4,000-plus staff gear up to make the most of rapid change in everything from programme-making to technology, Sally will bring to bear her experience in building confidence and leadership to vital parts of our business," he added.