BBCS alum Lisa Opie emerges at ‘Assassin’s Creed’ firm Ubisoft

Lisa Opie

Ubisoft, the global gaming firm behind IP such as Assassin’s Creed and Rainbow Six, has appointed recently departed BBC Studios (BBCS) exec Lisa Opie as its MD in the UK.

Opie, who revealed she was leaving BBCS in February, will join Ubisoft in August as MD of its Ubisoft Reflections and Ubisoft Leamington Studios, replacing Richard Blenkinsop who retired earlier this year.

The move is something of a shift for Opie, who was recently linked with the BBCS CEO role vacated by Tim Davie, who now leads the BBC.

Opie’s most recent role was MD of BBCS’s UK Production division in the UK and before that she led the factual, factual drama and digital production teams.

She had also been controller of business factual & daytime for the BBC and before that spent more than a decade at production firms including Twofour Digital, Channel Five Broadcasting and Flextech Television.

Opie said: “Ubisoft is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation and storytelling and has established a dynamic and hugely successful creative presence in the UK. I have been impressed by the teams’ passion and their creative pipeline and am proud to start working alongside them and play a part in Ubisoft’s future growth.”

Virginie Haas, chief studios operating officer, added: “Lisa’s vast experience leading creative, production and business teams, her drive to innovate, and her inclusive, supportive management style make her a perfect fit to lead Ubisoft Reflections and Leamington into the next chapter.”

Ubisoft Reflections and Ubisoft Leamington are behind an array of gaming franchises, such as Tom Clancy’s The Division and Ghost Recon, as well as Far Cry, Watch Dogs and The Crew.