47. Ann Sarnoff
By | November 1, 2013
COO, BBC Worldwide America
Sarnoff has been harbormaster of Britain’s finest imports and American domestic products. This year her network saw the welcome addition of the critically acclaimed British drama “Broadchurch,” and one-of-a-kind clone thriller “Orphan Black.” Network stalwarts have also undergone a technological boost with “Doctor Who” celebrating its 50th anniversary via a global simulcast and “Stig Cam” putting Tweeters in the Top Gear driver’s seat. True success for Sarnoff doesn’t reside in pumped-up profits, but people. “I like to find the best people, inspire them to achieve their personal and company goals, and have some fun in the process!,” she says.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love working with great brands, like the BBC, and helping to build them across platforms. In the U.S., we have a rabid base of passionate fans who motivate us all to do bigger and better things with our brand and show franchises.
How do you define success in the workplace?
I like to find the best people, inspire them to achieve their personal and company goals, and have some fun in the process!
Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?
The advice that I most often give to new mothers who work is never to leave the house in the morning with regret—let your kids know that you love what you do and involve them in your work as much as possible. You’ll both be happier.
What’s your biggest accomplishment of the year?
We are successfully growing our business here in the U.S. BBC America is now in over 80 million homes and buzzing with new hits like “Orphan Black” and “Broadchurch.” And we are building our core franchises: we were the first entertainment channel to partner with Twitter to create live, in-show video tweets—this summer, fans of Top Gear got to experience first-hand what it’s like to drive along with the guys thanks to the “Stig Cam” on Twitter during the broadcast; and “Doctor Who” has never been bigger as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the franchise this year. In November, we’ll air a global simulcast of the 50th anniversary special and more surprises to come. Stay tuned!