The TV Collective’s Breakthrough Leaders celebrates its fifth anniversary by unveiling a brand-new cohort of 50 television and digital professionals set to make a lasting impact on the UK screen industries. Since its launch in 2020, the programme has elevated senior-level talent by providing them with enhanced skills, connections, and opportunities to advance their leadership and drive meaningful change.
This milestone year is made possible through our sustained commitment to the programme, which Fremantle have partnered with every year since its launch. In 2025, Fremantle is joined by Paramount UK, ITV Studios, BBC, Channel 4, and Prime Video, reinforcing our shared commitment to developing the next wave of industry leaders. Each year, Breakthrough Leaders identifies and invests in standout creatives, producers, directors, commissioners, and executives who are shaping the future of television and digital media.
Among this year’s cohort of standout talent are Becky Singh, comedy producer and writer (“Kevin Hart’s Netflix special”, “World Stands Up”); Jami Chan, globally experienced production executive (“Black Mirror” S7, “The Diplomat” S2, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”); Zeb Achonu, BAFTA- and RTS-winning editor (“Ladies First”, “White Nanny Black Child”); Ryan Samuda, award-winning director/producer (“We Are Black and British”, “Glow Up”); and Kaio Grizzelle, digital commissioning executive at “Channel 4.0”, driving groundbreaking youth formats. This year’s full cohort of 50 reflects the bold, world-class talent redefining the future of the UK screen industries.
Leaders will benefit from a wide range of support mechanisms. They will attend bespoke masterclasses led by top industry professionals, receive mentorship from senior executives at leading broadcasters and studios, and engage in personalised career coaching tailored to their individual journeys. In addition, they will participate in group coaching sessions facilitated by industry coach and business strategist Remy Blumenfeld, who also co-devised the programme. Crucially, they will join a powerful peer support network designed to foster collaboration and accelerate career growth.
Since launching in 2020, Breakthrough Leaders has made a significant impact on the careers of its participants. Over 200 professionals have completed the programme. All participants reported that the career coaching was invaluable. Furthermore, 95% saw improved career prospects. Within six months, 30% of participants received promotions, while 50% gained professional recognition during the same period.
Simone Pennant MBE, Founder of The TV Collective and Breakthrough Leaders, assured: "Over the past five years, we’ve seen the real impact of investing in future leaders. This programme has propelled careers, created opportunities, and built a network of change-makers who are actively transforming our industry. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on breaking barriers and ensuring talent in all forms has the access, support, and recognition needed to thrive at the highest levels," expressed.
Meanwhile, Amelia Brown, CEO of Fremantle UK, prised the programme: ‘Now more than ever, programmes like “Breakthrough Leaders” are vital in driving meaningful and lasting change in helping to build a more inclusive and representative industry. The dedication and vision from Simone is unmatched, and her work has been instrumental in shaping its future. Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible impact of “Breakthrough Leaders” – not only across Fremantle and our labels, but across the wider industry. We’re immensely proud to continue our support and look forward to welcoming the new cohort as they take this next step in their careers," stated.
To mark its fifth anniversary, “Breakthrough Leaders” will host a series of special events throughout the year, bringing together past and present leaders, key sponsors, and senior industry figures to celebrate achievements and explore the future of inclusive leadership in television.
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