The British Board of Film Classification is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director, Robin Duval, who has for seven years been Deputy Director of Programmes at the Independent Television Commission (formerly IBA).
Mr Duval will be taking over from the BBFC’s current Director, James Ferman, who will be retiring after nearly 24 years in the post. Mr Duval will join the Board on 4th January.
As a TV regulator, Robin Duval has been responsible for monitoring television standards at the ITC for 13 years, and for preserving the quality and diversity of programmes on Channels 3, 4 and 5. He began his career in BBC radio, and then spent 3 years as a writer and producer of television commercials at J Walter Thompson. In 1968, he joined the Central Office of Information (COI) as a scriptwriter and went on to become Head of the UK Production Unit. After a brief spell as a Civil Servant, he returned to the COI in 1983 as Head of Television and Film Production.
He was invited to join the IBA in 1985 and has risen steadily in that organisation, becoming an expert in screen media standards. James Ferman said of him, "We could not have found a better all-rounder for the post. Robin is an experienced film maker, a sensitive media regulator, and a man steeped in the best traditions of public service." BBFC President, Andreas Whittam Smith said that he, too, was "delighted that we have been able to make such a strong appointment."
On accepting the post, Robin Duval said, “I am honoured to be asked to succeed James Ferman, whose authority and expertise are recognised in the UK and internationally. He will be a tough act to follow."
Mr Duval will be available for telephone interviews at the BBFC from 11.00 am on Monday, 9th November. Please ring Xandra Barry at BBFC 0171- 439 7961.