Netflix Hires The Traitors Exec Syeda Irtizaali as UK Unscripted Head
Netflix has made a significant hire from the BBC to lead its unscripted series department in the U.K. Syeda Irtizaali, who previously served as the interim director of unscripted at the BBC, will now be joining Netflix as part of the team led by VP of content Anne Mensah. In her new role, Irtizaali will be responsible for programming the U.K. and Ireland’s unscripted series slate.
During her time at the BBC, Irtizaali oversaw a wide range of genres including entertainment, documentaries, factual entertainment, specialist factual, arts, daytime, and Storyville. She played a key role in securing and managing popular series such as the British edition of “Traitors” and “Destination X,” which was part of a partnership with NBCUniversal.
Irtizaali’s career in the industry began as a journalist with BBC news before transitioning into roles as a producer and executive producer at various independent production companies. She also served as a commissioning editor for entertainment at Channel 4, where she was responsible for commissioning successful shows like “Alan Carr: Chatty Man,” “The Million Pound Drop,” and “The Last Leg.”
Expressing her excitement about joining Netflix, Irtizaali stated, “I’m thrilled to be joining Netflix and Anne Mensah’s incredible team of commissioners here in the U.K.”
Irtizaali’s appointment fills the position of director of unscripted U.K. left vacant by Ben Kelly, who departed Netflix after six years. Kelly, credited with building Netflix’s unscripted team in the U.K., played a crucial role in developing a slate of hit shows such as “Too Hot to Handle” and “Love is Blind.”
The addition of Syeda Irtizaali to Netflix’s team signifies the streaming giant’s commitment to expanding its unscripted content offerings in the U.K. and Ireland. Her wealth of experience and successful track record in the industry makes her a valuable asset to Netflix’s growing portfolio of original programming.
