Training body ScreenSkills has named former Channel 4 nations and regions head Sinead Rocks as its chief executive.
Rocks, who announced her departure from the broadcaster in May, succeeds Laura Mansfield in the role.
Between 2020 and 2024, Rocks sat on the ScreenSkills board and chaired the Unscripted TV Skills Fund Steering Committee, ensuring the fund delivered training and development programmes for the unscripted TV workforce and supporting them during the Covid pandemic and commissioning downturn.
Rocks spent seven years at C4 and oversaw its major shift to the nations and regions, including the move of its headquarters to Leeds and the establishment of creative hubs in Bristol and Glasgow.
She also founded skills training arm 4Skills and has chaired the Creative Industries Council’s Talent and Skills Working Group.
Rocks was previously at the BBC for 17 years, latterly as director of education, and led the move of the corporation’s Learning department to Salford.
Regarding her ScreenSkills role, Rocks said: “I know first-hand how important the organisation is to the sector and the impact it has had. This is a time of real opportunity, helping employers and the workforce respond to emerging changes and making sure that no matter your background or circumstances, everyone has the support to access, sustain and progress through their careers in our sector.
“This is something I’m passionate about and I can’t wait to get started and work with industry and government partners to ensure we build on the progress to date and meet the needs of this vital industry and its workforce in the future.”
Rocks joins ScreenSkills in November.
