The British Film Institute (BFI) has recently made an exciting announcement regarding the appointment of David Hamilton as the new Executive Director of Engagement, Marketing, and Communications. This strategic move aims to further enhance the BFI’s position as the leading organization for film and the moving image in the UK. With his extensive experience in the charity sector, particularly in communications and marketing, David is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming access to the BFI’s programs, screen culture, and job opportunities across the country.
A New Chapter for the BFI
David Hamilton, who currently serves as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the NSPCC, will assume his new role at the BFI in May 2024. Working closely with BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts, David will join the BFI’s Executive Board to spearhead the implementation of Screen Culture 2033, a comprehensive 10-year strategy aimed at revolutionizing access to the BFI’s programs and promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
Under David’s leadership, a newly formed Directorate team will be responsible for overseeing the BFI’s marketing, press and public relations, brand and design, as well as corporate and internal communications activities. With the guiding principle that “society needs stories,” David’s team will ensure that the BFI’s programs are enjoyed by a diverse range of audiences and inspire stakeholders and partnerships.
The BFI’s Expansive Charitable Activities
As the UK’s foremost film organization and a government arms-length body, the BFI engages in a wide range of charitable activities. These include managing the BFI National Archive, which houses an extensive collection of films, and organizing various cultural programs such as BFI Southbank, BFI IMAX, BFI Player, the BFI London Film Festival, BFI Flare, Sight and Sound magazine, and BFI distribution. Additionally, the BFI plays a crucial role in education, research, and providing support to the corporate and film industry. It is also the largest public funder for film in the UK and acts as a National Lottery distributor.
David Hamilton’s Enthusiasm for Joining the BFI
Expressing his excitement about joining the BFI, David Hamilton stated, “As a lifelong film enthusiast, the BFI’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating the UK’s rich screen culture resonates deeply with me.” He looks forward to leading a talented team and contributing to the shared vision of celebrating and elevating the diverse and vibrant stories that define the country’s screen culture. David is determined to forge new paths, engage wider audiences, and ensure that the BFI continues to support and inspire innovation, creativity, and excellence within the screen industry.
Ben Roberts Welcomes David Hamilton to the BFI
BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts is delighted to welcome David Hamilton to the BFI at such a critical time. The organization is focused on realizing its ambitions for cultural programs and strengthening the independent film sector. With David’s wealth of experience in marketing and communications within the charity sector, his arrival is expected to enhance collaborative efforts with the wider industry. Ben Roberts believes that David’s inclusive approach will strengthen the BFI’s position and support its goals.
David Hamilton’s Impressive Track Record
Before joining the BFI, David Hamilton held the role of Director of Communications and Marketing for the NSPCC and Childline since 2020. During his tenure, he successfully led a team of over 100 professionals responsible for public relations, media, marketing, digital communications, data, and volunteer and staff communications. Prior to this, David served as the head of Communications at Scouts, the largest youth movement in the UK, with over 640,000 members. There, he implemented an ambitious strategy to modernize the organization’s image, resulting in the development of an award-winning brand and record levels of engagement.
David’s achievements have been widely recognized within the industry. He has been named one of the UK’s top ten charity communicators in the PRWeek Power Book and one of the top ten charity marketers in Marketing Week. In addition, he has won the IoD PR Director of the Year award and holds the title of Chartered Fellow of the CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations).
BFI’s Executive Board and Screen Culture 2033
David Hamilton will join the BFI’s Executive Board, which comprises various important roles within the organization. Chaired by Chief Executive Ben Roberts, the board also includes Harriet Finney as Deputy CEO and Executive Director of Corporate & Industry Affairs, Arike Oke as Executive Director of Knowledge Learning & Collections, Jason Wood as Executive Director of Public Programme & Audiences (including Editorial/Sight & Sound), Francesca Vinti as Executive Director of Fundraising & Enterprise, Neil Williams as Executive Director of Technology & Digital Transformation, and Alyson Hagan as Executive Director of Finance, People, and Business Operations.
Screen Culture 2033, the BFI’s ambitious 10-year strategy, encompasses six major ambitions that will shape the organization’s future. These include transforming the BFI’s relationship with audiences, advocating for the value of all aspects of screen culture, creating an open screen archive of the future, adopting a digital-first approach to cultural programs, championing screen culture in school curricula, and building a skilled and diverse workforce. The BFI also aims to address sector needs through its National Lottery funding, policy work, and evidence-based initiatives. To achieve these goals, the BFI will focus on financial resilience and the growth of its charitable and commercial income.
The BFI: A Cultural Charity and National Lottery Distributor
Founded in 1933, the BFI operates as a cultural charity and a National Lottery distributor. Its mission is multi-faceted, encompassing support for creativity and the nurturing of UK storytellers, the preservation and expansion of the BFI National Archive, the provision of a diverse range of UK and international moving image culture through programs and festivals, using its knowledge to educate and deepen public appreciation and understanding, and collaborating with the government and industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK’s screen industries. The BFI is governed by a Royal Charter, and its Board of Governors is chaired by Tim Richards. Jay Hunt will assume the position of Chair on February 16th, 2024.
In conclusion, the appointment of David Hamilton as the BFI’s Executive Director of Engagement, Marketing, and Communications marks an exciting chapter for the organization. With his extensive experience and passion for film, David is well-equipped to lead the BFI’s efforts to transform access to screen culture and engage a wider range of audiences. As the BFI continues to play a vital role in the UK’s film industry, this appointment sets the stage for further growth, innovation, and excellence in the years to come.
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