Heidi represents the BBC with partners across the North of England, embedding the BBC within the local communities in a transformative way, building new relationships with businesses, political bodies and audiences to drive forward the BBC’s strategy and ambition to grow its impact and investment across the region.  Heidi is based at BBC Salford where she is the Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, setting the strategy for 5 Live’s network of live radio, online audio streams, podcasts and digital video content.

Heidi’s career began as a freelance TV producer. She joined the BBC with Radio Solent, before working as a journalist at BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live. Heidi produced live news programmes on 5 Live, before moving to Salford with the BBC and taking on the role of Managing Editor at the station. Working all over the world with the BBC, including Iraq, Israel and at various major sporting events including World Cups and Olympic Games, Heidi has rich and varied experience in news and sports journalism. She has also commissioned a number of award-winning podcasts, from Brexitcast/Newscast to Miss Me? with Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver. Since stepping into the role of 5 Live Controller in 2019, Heidi has overseen continued growth of the network, with radio stations 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra plus audio streams Sports Extra 2 & 3 on BBC Sounds, as well as audio and video podcasts and YouTube content. She has welcomed a number of high profile presenters such as Naga Munchetty, Rick Edwards, Patrick Kielty, Jeanette Kwayke and Matt Chorley to the schedule.