Sophie Leonard is moving from producing to an executive role at Fox.
Leonard, the executive producer of the network’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, has been named executive vp unscripted at the Fox Television Network. She’ll take charge of the network’s unscripted efforts — which comprises a plurality of the network’s primetime programming — including development, production and strategy.
Leonard will report to Fox Television network president Michael Thorn.
“Sophie is an exceptional creative leader with fearless instincts, global perspective, and a proven ability to deliver bold, high-impact unscripted entertainment,” said Thorn. “As one of the creators and executive producers behind Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, her impact on the series is as undeniable as the many ambitious ideas she’s introduced through our partnership. In her new role, we’ll build on that collaborative moment as we deliver on our unscripted strategy and continue to grow the Fox brand.”
Leonard comes to the network from Samphire Films, a production company she co-founded in 2024 and where she was creative director. Prior to that, she was creative director for Minnow Films, the company behind Special Forces and its British forerunner SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Her producing credits also include Netflix’s Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action and Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal, the U.K. version of The Apprentice and Channel 4’s First Dates.
“Joining Fox in this role is an extraordinary opportunity,” said Leonard. “What Rob [Wade], Michael, and the team have built is genuinely one of the most exciting growth stories anywhere in the television business right now. The scale of ambition, creative freedom, and the speed at which Fox is moving is incredibly energizing. I’m thrilled to bring my experience across the Atlantic, deepen the relationships we’ve already built, and work with the extraordinary producers and partners here in the U.S. and around the world to develop bold, Fox-worthy unscripted programming that truly travels.”
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