BBC Studios, the BBC’s commercial production, and distribution arm has announced the promotion of Alexandra McGrail to Head of Commercial, BBC Studios Kids & Family, and the appointment of Edward Barnieh as Vice President of Development, BBC Studios Kids & Family.

The newly created senior roles at the heart of Kids & Family are part of a restructuring designed to support the new division’s ambitious growth plans. Cecilia Persson, Managing Director, BBC Studios Kids & Family, will report to Barnieh and McGrail.

Barnieh will oversee a large portfolio of development projects, providing expert creative direction across multiple genres and managing the transition from development to production – all while assessing market opportunities and risks.

McGrail will lead a high-performing commercial and business development team responsible for identifying and securing commercial opportunities for kids’ content as well as managing the total commercial Kids & Family budget.

Barnieh will start on November 21, 2022, and will be based in London, whereas McGrail is already on the job and will be based at BBC Studios in Salford.