Melanie Rumani, the world leader in acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV, died after a long battle against cancer, he was announced on Tuesday. She was 50 years old.
Rumani joined the BBC Studios in 2006 and held various positions in sales and acquisitions before being promoted in 2020 to the World Acquisition Manager for the BBC Studios and UKTV.
“MEL’s contribution to the BBC studios and the wider group of the BBC cannot be underestimated, and it was a privilege to work with it,” said Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios, in a statement. “She was intrepid and tenacious in her approach to the conclusion, which resulted in the way in which she also discussed daily life. We are all in total admiration for the way she addressed her illness and her determination to continue working despite the challenges that presented. Mel will be extremely missed to all those who had the pleasure of working with her and our thoughts are with Mel’s husband and her family and friends. ”
Also before taking UKTV, at the BBC studios, Rumani obtained content for 40 paid television channels and SVOD BBC brand services worldwide. She played a decisive role in the launch of new channels, including BBC Earth, BBC Brit and BBC First, in several territories. After having assumed the double role newly created as a global manager of acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV, Rumani was responsible for forging a series of world transactions with many different studios. “Melanie worked with hundreds of people in the BBC group and has touched many life,” said a press release announcing her death. “We will miss it a lot.”
Adding the CEO of UKTV, Marcus Arthur, “Mel had incredible resilience, and she brought energy and determination to the rapid rhythm to everything she addressed. Her wealth of knowledge was incredible, and she was very appreciated in the industry for her expertise and her professionalism. Mel was also funny, kind and passionate. She was an inspiration for all of us and our thoughts.
