Melanie Rumani, the global head of acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV, has died at the age of 50.
Colleagues paid tribute to Rumani’s tenacious deal-making and the fearlessness with which she fought a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Hass Rumani, head of content funding at UKTV, the network owned by BBC Studios.
Rumani joined BBC Studios in 2006, holding various positions within sales and acquisitions until being elevated to global head of acquisitions in 2020. She sourced content for 40 individual pay-TV channels and online BBC-branded services, helping launch the likes of BBC Earth, BBC Brit, and BBC First.
BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell said: “Mel’s contribution to BBC Studios and the wider BBC Group cannot be underestimated, and it was a privilege to work with her. She was fearless and tenacious in her approach to deal-making, and this translated into how she approached everyday life too. We are all in total admiration of how she tackled her illness and her determination to continue working despite the challenges that presented. Mel is going to be hugely missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with her and our thoughts are with Mel’s husband Hass and her wider family and friends.”
Marcus Arthur, CEO of UKTV, added: “Mel had incredible resilience, and she brought a fast-paced energy and determination to everything she tackled. Her wealth of knowledge was incredible, and she was highly regarded in the industry for her expertise and professionalism. Mel was also funny, kind and passionate. She was an inspiration to all of us and our thoughts are with Mel’s husband and our much-loved colleague Hass, at this terribly sad time.”
