Dragons’ Den exec joins Pulse for unscripted

Vice-backed Pulse Films has hired Ceri Aston (right) as head of non scripted.

Aston is best known as the executive producer of the UK version of Dragons’ Den, and is credited with revitalising the show on the BBC.

As a BBC Entertainment exec, her credits also include Junior Doctors: Your Life in Their Hands and Junior Paramedics.

In the newly-created role at Pulse, she will exec produce the prodco’s unscripted fare.

The hire follows a period of change for Vice Media-owned Pulse.

It hired industry heavyweight Davud Karbassioun as global president, commercials and branded entertainment last year, appointed Emma Cooper as managing director of unscripted TV in the UK to replace Roy Ackerman, and Viceland exec Fred Grinstein to lead US unscripted efforts.

“I am looking forward to working with [Aston] across our thriving international slate, and her skills and experience in ensuring delivery excellence will be huge asset to our division,” said Cooper.

Aston said: “It’s been a huge privilege to work on Dragons’ Den, and with the talented Entertainment North team at BBC Studios, but the opportunity to help build on Pulse Films’ unique brand of television proved irresistible.”

Pulse’s recent productions include Black is the New Black, United States of Hate, Who’s Spending Britain’s Billions? and Hunting the Nazi Gold Train, all for the BBC.