The BBC Board has named Marinella Soldi as a Non-executive Director, a position she will hold for three years starting from 11th September 2023.
Marinella will bring with her a wealth of experience in editorial, global, and commercial domains. In her capacity as a Non-executive Director, she will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Board’s decisions align with the public interest, taking into account the audience’s best interests and considering the wider impact on the UK’s media market.
Currently, Marinella serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors at Rai Radiotelevisione Italiana and is a member of the Board of Directors of the EBU (European Broadcasting Union). Additionally, she holds the position of Non-executive Director for Nexi digital payments and Ariston thermal solutions.
Born in Italy and educated in London, Marinella held senior positions in both London and Milan at MTV Networks Europe. She later joined Discovery, where she served as CEO of Discovery Networks Southern Europe for a decade until October 2018. During her tenure, she successfully transformed the business model from a linear format to a diversified multiplatform portfolio. Marinella is an alumna of the London School of Economics, having obtained a BSc in Economics, and she also holds an MBA from INSEAD.
Marinella Soldi says: “The BBC is a benchmark for media, and specifically public service broadcasting, around the world. I am honoured to contribute to its mission of winning the hearts and minds of diverse audiences in today’s challenging and ever-changing scenario. The BBC is not only one of the most respected and trusted brands in media, but also an intrinsic part of my personal experience growing up as an Italian in the UK.”
Dame Elan Closs Stephens, Acting Chair of the BBC, says: “I am delighted to welcome Marinella Soldi to the BBC Board. Marinella has a unique blend of commercial and senior executive experience in media and technology, and her passion for the values of public service broadcasting is evident through her work in Italy and with the EBU.
“I look forward to her bringing her skill, experience and fresh thinking to the BBC.”
The BBC Board is composed of 14 members, with a majority being non-executive directors. The Chairman and four non-executive members are appointed by the King-in-Council based on ministerial recommendations, with one representative from each of the four nations of the UK. The BBC Board further selects five non-executive members through its Nominations Committee. The Board includes four executive directors, among whom is the BBC’s Director-General, who serves as the Corporation’s chief executive officer and editor-in-chief.
The BBC Board bears the responsibility of ensuring that the BBC fulfils its mission and public purposes as outlined in the Charter. Upholding and safeguarding the BBC’s independence and making decisions in the public interest are central to its mandate. The Board is answerable for all of the Corporation’s activities, encompassing publicly funded services as well as commercial ventures in the UK and worldwide.
