Ralph Lee to become first Chair of BAFTA albert

BAFTA albert, the leading sustainability organisation for the screen industries, has announced that Ralph Lee has been appointed its first Chair. This newly created voluntary part time non-executive role is part of a new governance structure established following an organisational review completed in 2023.

Ralph brings a wealth of industry experience to the BAFTA albert Board, having most recently served as the CEO of BBC Studios Productions. Ralph deeply understands content creation and production and has a successful track record of leading and galvanising teams with an ambitious agenda. He is a passionate advocate for sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion, having led the D&I council during his time at the BBC.

Commenting on his new appointment, Ralph said: “It is an honour to be appointed as the first Chair of BAFTA albert.  As the screen industries continue to grow it’s ever more important that we act together to achieve sustainability and secure our future.  BAFTA albert’s work up to this point has been fantastic, and I’m excited to join at this crucial moment as we begin to supercharge the organisation’s impact both on and off-screen.”

Founded in 2011, BAFTA albert supports the film and TV industries in reducing the environmental impact of production and creating content that supports a vision for a sustainable future. In 2023, the organisation underwent a strategic review, working directly with the industry to develop a strategy that set out a path to reach net zero. This work was supported by an in-depth assessment of the governance structures needed to help deliver this strategy.

The assessment included a recommendation for a new Board of Trustees for BAFTA albert, headed by a Chair, who will take on the position part-time and be responsible for the strategic direction of BAFTA albert. As well as heading up the BAFTA albert Board, the Chair will also join the BAFTA Board of Trustees.

In his new role, Ralph will drive forward non-executive directors’ recruitment, bringing in individuals with diverse expertise, experience, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Ralph will also act as a conduit between BAFTA albert, BAFTA and the Industry Steering Group. This new governance structure will create vital oversight and allow BAFTA albert’s strategic direction to deliver the greatest impact in the fight against climate change.

The appointment of the Chair was made by the BAFTA Board of Trustees, with the process overseen by the BAFTA Governance & Appointments Committee, chaired by Bal Samra. The initial terms for trustees will be three years.

All new vacant NED positions across BAFTA will be advertised here in the coming weeks.

Discussing the appointment, Sara Putt, BAFTA Chair, said: “Ralph is the perfect choice to take on the new role of BAFTA albert Chair. Every day, the team works hand in hand with creatives and producers across the screen industries to create positive, meaningful change. Ralph's appointment will only strengthen those working relationships and provide the organisational resilience BAFTA albert needs to continue delivering impact in the fight against climate change.”

Matt Scarff, BAFTA albert Managing Director, also commented on the appointment: “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work alongside Ralph. Not only is he responsible for some of the most popular content that has been on our screens, but his passion for sustainability and our need to protect the living world is unquestionable. I look forward to working together and delivering the tools and standards the screen industries need to make a real difference.”