The UK’s Royal Television Society has hired a former ITV, ITN and Channel 4 corporate relations boss as CEO.

Sophie Jones will take over later this year in one of the biggest UK TV industry roles. She replaces Theresa Wise, who is retiring after 13 years at the helm.

Jones joins from the British Phonographic Industry trade body, which organizes the Brit and Mercury awards. Previously, she was  Head of Corporate Relations at Channel 4, where she worked on major public affairs and communications campaigns and was closely involved with the broadcaster’s ‘4 All the UK’ regional strategy. She has also held similar senior roles at ITV and ITN. 

RTS said Jones will “work closely with the RTS’s Board of Trustees, overseeing the Society’s extensive educational activities, awards, conventions, national and regional centres and membership community.” The society’s next big event is RTS London, which takes place in September and is being organized in partnership with Amazon.

All3Media boss Jane Turton, who is chair of the RTS Board of Trustees, said Jones’ “deep experience of production and broadcasting will be a valuable asset to the RTS as we continue to grow the Society, adapting  to the demands of a very fast changing media world.”

Jones added: “Throughout my career in television, I have worked closely with and experienced the value of the society’s vital work – from career development and invaluable insights, to championing the UK’s nations and regions and celebrating the art and science of television in its world class awards. To be asked to lead this wonderful institution into its next phase, at a time of such pivotal change, is a huge privilege that I take on with both enormous respect and excitement. Theresa leaves an impressive legacy that I look forward to building on with the support of the RTS’s brilliant team, board and network of volunteers around the UK.”