Melanie Rumani, the worldwide head of acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV, has died after an extended battle with most cancers, it was introduced on Tuesday. She was 50.

Rumani first joined BBC Studios in 2006 and held varied positions in gross sales and acquisitions earlier than being promoted in 2020 to international head of acquisitions for each BBC Studios and UKTV.

“Mel’s contribution to BBC Studios and the broader BBC Group can’t be underestimated, and it was a privilege to work along with her,” Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios, stated in an announcement. “She was fearless and tenacious in her strategy to deal-making, and this translated into how she approached on a regular basis life too. We’re all in complete admiration of how she tackled her sickness and her willpower to proceed working regardless of the challenges that offered. Mel goes to be vastly missed by all those that had the pleasure of working along with her and our ideas are with Mel’s husband Hass and her wider household and pals.”

Earlier than additionally taking over UKTV, at BBC Studios Rumani sourced content material for 40 pay TV channels and SVOD BBC-branded providers world wide. She was instrumental in launching new channels, together with BBC Earth, BBC Brit and BBC First, throughout a number of territories. After taking over the newly created twin function as international head of acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV, Rumani was answerable for forging a raft of world offers with many various studios. “Melanie labored with a whole lot of individuals throughout the BBC Group and she or he touched the lives of many,” a press launch saying her dying reads. “She can be vastly missed.”

Added UKTV CEO Marcus Arthur, “Mel had unbelievable resilience, and she or he introduced a fast-paced power and willpower to every thing she tackled. Her wealth of information was unbelievable, and she or he was extremely regarded within the trade for her experience and professionalism. Mel was additionally humorous, sort and passionate. She was an inspiration to all of us and our ideas are with Mel’s husband and our much-loved colleague Hass, at this terribly unhappy time.”