ViacomCBS’s Maria Kyriacou named chair of Creative Diversity Network

Maria Kyriacou

The UK’s Creative Diversity Network (CDN) has appointed ViacomCBS exec Maria Kyriacou as its new chair.

Kyriacou, who is president of ViacomCBS Networks UK and Australia, succeeds Jill Offman at the organisation, which leads efforts to increase diversity on and off screen within the UK’s television industry.

Offman stepped down following her departure from ViacomCBS.

Kyriacou was previously president of international at ITV Studios, where she oversaw its international production business and worldwide distribution arm, and has previously worked at Disney, where she was SVP of digital media distribution for EMEA.

“I look forward to championing the vital work that CDN is doing at a time when actionable diversity and inclusion initiatives has never been more important,” she said.

“As CDN’s chair, my aim is to put CDN and its diversity monitoring tool, Diamond, at the centre of discussions with broadcasters and producers, in order that we can collectively work towards improving representation in all spheres of our sector.”

Deborah Williams, executive director at CDN, added: “I’m delighted that Maria will be taking over as Chair of CDN and looking forward to working with her and our partners to deliver our ambitious programme of activities.

“Her appointment could not be more timely: ensuring that diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the industry’s recovery from Covid 19 and ensuring that broadcasters, platforms, producers and the entire supply chain properly reflect the lives and ambitions of everyone is key to ensuring that the UK television industry not just survives but thrives.”