Andy Harries to transition to exec chairman role at The Crown prodco Left Bank Pictures

Left Bank Pictures founder Andy Harries is to end an 18-year stint as the company’s CEO and transition into an executive chair role.

Andy Harries

Harries will make the move in 2026, remaining in the CEO role of the Sony Pictures Television-backed firm until a replacement is appointed.

The newly created post will see Harries continue to provide oversight and guidance on the creative direction of the company while playing a key role in the company’s long-term goals, maintaining strategic relationships for the business.

Harries will remain exec producer on current and future Left Bank Pictures titles including the forthcoming adaptation of James Graham’s Dear England; Stephen Butchard’s This City Is Ours – which is being launched this week at London Screenings – and Scott Frank’s new detective series for Netflix Department Q.

Sony’s Wayne Garvie said: “Legend is an over-used term, except for Andy Harries. He is a television legend and at Left Bank Pictures he has built one of the great global drama labels. Left Bank shows are clever, cheeky and creative, like the man himself. Everyone at Sony is overjoyed that we are going to continue our relationship with him in this new role.”

Andy Harries said: “These are interesting times. Our business is changing at lightning speed, and this new role means that I can focus on how Left Bank continues to meet the creative and financial challenges of producing top-end UK drama in a challenging environment. But this isn’t me picking up the proverbial pipes and slippers. We have some terrific shows coming up and I’m excited to continue to be involved with them, and a few others we have up our sleeves.”

Since launching Left Bank Pictures in 2007 the company’s production slate includes some of the best-known and most successful scripted series in global TV with partners including Netflix, BBC, HBO/Cinemax, Sky, Starz, Amazon, WGBH, YouTube and ITV. Motion picture credits include Sony Pictures, Europacorp, Optimum Releasing, Film4 and Pathe.

Harries began his career as an award-winning documentary maker, producing and directing films for programmes such as Arena, Omnibus, The South Bank Show, and the Emmy-nominated Africa for Channel 4. He later transitioned into comedy, directing and producing Lenny Henry’s feature film Lenny: Live and Unleashed.

Prior to establishing Left Bank Pictures, Harries was controller of drama, comedy and film for Granada Productions. During this period, he produced countless British classics including The Deal, Prime Suspect, Cold Feet and The Royle Family.