RTÉ has announced the appointment of David Crean as Head of Drama, following an external competition.

After an earlier career as a director and a producer, Crean joined RTÉ as a development executive in the drama department in 2007.

Currently working as RTÉ's Acting Head of Drama, Crean has developed and executive produced with a range of co-production partners a slate of successful drama series, such as Taken Down, Hidden Assets, Smother, The Gone, KIN and The Boy That Never Was.

Crean also developed all five series of Love/Hate with Stuart Carolan and Steve Matthews. 

As Head of Drama, Crean is responsible for a slate of original Irish drama which this year promises to deliver 142 hours of high-quality, homegrown storytelling across screens in Ireland and around the world, firmly placing great local Irish drama on the international stage. 

Some new and returning dramas in production for RTÉ in 2025 include Fair City, Hidden Assets Series 3, The Walsh Sisters, These Sacred Vows, The Dry Series 3, Obituary Series 2, Sisters Series 2 and Storyland.

RTÉ's Drama team collaborates with a number of national and international co-production partners.

This significant level of original RTÉ drama production represents a sizable investment in Irish talent, culture and the broader creative economy. 

Collectively, these dramas will employ over 1,800 people, including scriptwriters, directors, producers, actors, hair and make-up teams, wardrobe and various other creative talents, underpinning RTÉ’s commitment to ongoing investment in the Irish creative economy and the independent production sector.

Speaking about Crean’s appointment RTÉ's Director of Video, Steve Carson said, "I'm delighted that David is taking the reins as Head of Drama, a crucial genre for us in serving Irish audiences on TV and the RTÉ Player.

“He has an impressive track record in developing new ideas and creative talent, and under his leadership our audiences can look forward to an RTÉ drama slate with real range and ambition."

Crean added, "It is an honour to be appointed as the RTÉ Head of Drama as we have recently announced an unprecedented slate of original Irish drama in production which will deliver 142 hours of high-quality, homegrown storytelling across screens in Ireland and around the world this year with plenty more planned commissions to come.

“I’m really looking forward to collaborating with our brilliant broadcast partners to bring these amazing series of Irish storytelling to audiences, firmly placing great local Irish drama on the international stage."

Photo: David Crean new head of Drama at RTE