George Faber, founder of The Buccaneers producer The Forge, is stepping away from his MD duties to become Executive Chairman.

Faber is being replaced by executive producers Beth Willis and George Ormond, who have stepped up to Co-MDs. Producers Jade Taylor and Joe Innes have been promoted to EP roles.

Faber will remain with the company and executive produce both new and existing projects, along with advising on the creative and commercial strategy of the business.

Willis and Ormond will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day. Ex-Channel 4 drama boss Willis joined in 2018 while Ormond has been there from day one.

Faber founded The Forge more than a decade ago and it was acquired by Banijay in 2023. The company makes Apple TV’s Bridgerton-esque The Buccaneers, which is into its third season, and has Channel 4’s A Woman of Substance remake and Jack Thorne’s Falling starring Paapa Essiedu coming up. Past credits include National Treasure, Help and Shardlake.

“It’s been a privilege to lead The Forge from its inception for its first decade,” said Faber. “I’m immensely proud of the quality and diversity of our dramas and of the extraordinary talent we’ve had the honour to work with.”

Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland called Faber a “major figure in the world of scripted television, someone who has not only been responsible for a stream of fantastic shows but also helped to shape and grow the UK drama industry.”