Matthew Winter appointed as Director of Development for Workerbee

Matthew Winter had been appointed as Director of Development at Workerbee.

This new role, reporting to Workerbee Group CEO Rick Murray and Managing Director Michelle Chappell, will be responsible for generating the next wave of big ideas across Workerbee’s business divisions – ‘Films’ and ‘Formats’.

Working closely with Rick and Michelle, Matthew will lead the development team as they grow both their premium documentary slate, building on the success of shows such as Janet (A&E and Lifetime), Bruno V Tyson (Sky) and Four Kings w/t (Amazon Prime) and their successful formats slate which includes the likes of The Bridge (Channel 4 and HBO Max), Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge (NBC) and Love Triangle (Channel 4).

Matthew has worked within the Banijay Group since 2021, joining as Head of Development for Remarkable Factual, before being promoted to Director of Development for RDF. During this time, he developed shows including Grand Slammers (ITV), Lost Worlds with Ben Fogle (Channel 5) and The Big Interiors Battle (Channel 4). 

Prior to joining Banijay, Matthew worked in senior development roles at indies including Boomerang (co-created BAFTA award-winning Big Zuu’s Big Eats for Dave) and Optomen (co-created Sort Your Life Out for BBC One and Highlife for Channel 4). Prior to that, he spent three years at ITV Studios Australia where he developed Rene Redzepi’s Noma Australia and helped create local versions of Love Island, Hell’s Kitchen, and The Chase.

Matthew Winter said of the appointment;

“Workerbee is the most exciting production company in the country. Rick, Michelle and the team have achieved so much over the last few years, and I can’t wait to help them create more future hits.”

Workerbee Managing Director Michelle Chappell said,

“We are delighted Matt is joining us at Workerbee as we supercharge development of big, stand-out, unmissable formats and premium films. He shares our passion and entrepreneurial spirit and so fits in perfectly with the bees!”

Workerbee Group CEO Rick Murray added;

“We weren’t actively looking for a Director of Development but with Matt everything changed! His track record is seriously impressive, combine that with his infectious enthusiasm and deep understanding of the market and he makes a major addition the team.”

Matthew joins the team with immediate effect.