Jon Petrie, the BBC‘s director of comedy, is leaving the broadcaster to join Hat Trick Productions.

Petrie will become the new creative director of Hat Trick, the independent comedy production company known for programs including “Derry Girls,” “Have I Got News for You,” “Mastermind” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

He joined the BBC in 2021 and has since held an instrumental role in developing shows including “Ghosts,” “Gavin and Stacey: The Finale,” “Black Ops,” “Dreaming Whilst Black,” “Alma’s Not Normal,” “Amandaland,” “Black Ops,” “Death Valley,” “Juice,” “Ludwig,” “Small Prophets” and “Here We Go.” Petrie also established the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool, which has just marked its fifth year.

“Leaving the BBC after five brilliant years is a huge wrench. It is an extraordinary place, full of wildly talented, decent and funny people, and I feel incredibly lucky to have worked under Kate Phillips’ leadership,” Petrie said in a statement.

“Hat Trick is the OG of the independent production community, and taking on the role of creative director feels like a rare and properly exciting opportunity. I grew up seeing that logo at the end of shows I loved, which is both exciting and a fairly brutal reminder of my age. Jimmy and the team have a genuinely forward-looking vision across scripted, short form and AI, and while I know it is a tricky time to turn from gamekeeper to poacher, I’ve missed production and I firmly believe British comedy still has huge opportunities ahead of it. I’m excited to help build what comes next.”

Petrie will officially depart the BBC in August, with Emma Lawson stepping up as interim director of comedy. In the meantime, the BBC will begin recruitment for a permanent replacement in the position.

Added Phillips, BBC’s chief content officer: “Jon has had a huge impact since joining the BBC five years ago and has been British comedy’s biggest backer by far. I’m very sad to see him go, but he leaves on a comedy high. Jon’s vision and drive have delivered a remarkable number of hit shows, reflecting his commitment to giving original voices the space to take risks. Under Jon’s leadership it’s been a terrific time for the genre, with the BBC securing 8 out of the top 10 comedy programs across the market last year and three recent BAFTA wins. Jon and his brilliant team believe passionately in the importance of simply making people laugh. They’ve always fought for the industry in these challenging times and understand just how vital the BBC’s role is in supporting the genre. On a personal note, whilst I’m excited for Jon and wish him loads of luck, I’m going to miss working with him hugely, as will so many colleagues. It’s the worst comedy punchline of all!”

Hat Trick Productions founder and managing director Jimmy Mulville said, “Everyone here is beyond excited to have Jon join us. I’ve watched with great admiration as he guided BBC Comedy through its most successful and creative period in a long time. Shows like ‘Ludwig,’ ‘Amandaland,’ ‘Alma’s Not Normal’ and ‘Small Prophets,’ to name but a few, demonstrate his extraordinary range and impeccable taste. Jon and Hat Trick both share the same comedy DNA and we can’t wait to start working with him.  We feel very honored that he has chosen Hat Trick as his new home.”