DCD Rights adds Passion exec in drama plan

DCD Rights has hired Philippa Chuter, who was working at rival UK-based distributor Passion, as part of a wider push into drama acquisitions.

She is taking on a new role as senior acquisitions executive at the DCD Media sales business, having previously been acquisition executive at Tinopolis Group-owned Passion.

This will free up head of acquisitions Pilar Perez to focus on drama acquisitions and coproduction strategies.

Chuter will report to Perez and lead factual acquisitions, while developing relationships with new and existing producers, and working closely with the sales team.

“Continued increases in our programme acquisitions funding and the expansion in the drama catalogue and coproduction have been key accelerators in our decision to expand our team,” said DCD Rights CEO Nicky Davies Williams. “Philippa’s appointment will enable Pilar to focus her efforts on growing our drama slate.”

Chuter began her career at BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand in Sydney.

A Passion spokesperson said there was no direct replacement for her, though the company has just hired a new head of acquisitions, Jimmy Humphrey, who is expected to assess his team.