Jeff Thacker, USC Kaufman Board of Councilors

Jeff Thacker is recognized as one of television’s foremost entertainment producers in both the UK and the USA. As Head of Music Programming for the ITV Network, he established its music entertainment department and was responsible for the network’s extensive portfolio of productions, both domestically and internationally.

With a rich background as a dancer, choreographer, and producer, Thacker has collaborated on numerous award-winning television shows featuring some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry.

His career began with the renowned TV group “The Second Generation,” which had their own weekly live show on BBC TV. This experience laid the foundation for his expertise in entertainment, music, and production.

As a choreographer, Thacker created many top music videos for major artists, including the iconic choreography for Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love,” which was recognized as “The Best Male Video of the Decade.”

Over the course of his career, Jeff has produced programs that have garnered prestigious accolades, including a BAFTA, an Emmy.  At the prestigious Montreux Television Festival he has won the Bronze Rose, two Television Press Awards, and a ‘Mention Spéciale’ for his TV shows. He has also won the New York Film and Television Award, five consecutive Record of the Year Awards, and two National Music Awards for his contributions to music.

In addition, Thacker has received two Emmy nominations and three BAFTA nominations. Notably, as Executive Producer of “So You Think You Can Dance,” he received five consecutive Emmy nominations from 2011 to 2015.  The show itself has been nominated for 73 Emmys and has won 17.

Jeff had the distinct honor of producing eight Royal Variety Performances for the late

Queen Elizabeth II.  He was Executive Producer and Show-runner for two of the highest-rated performances in the RVP show’s history in 2001 and 2003.

His tenure at ITV led to collaborations with various American TV networks, facilitating the introduction of several American artists to UK audiences, including Michael Bublé and Josh Groban.

In 2005, Jeff was appointed Senior Producer of “So You Think You Can Dance,” where he was one of the original judges in Season 1. He rose to the position of Executive Producer and has since produced over 33 international versions of the show.  “So You Think You Can Dance” has reached audiences in over 70 countries.    Thacker played a key role in presenting the American public with major TV appearances by artists such as Katy Perry, One Republic, Janelle Monáe, and Lady Gaga!

He also produced and directed the highly successful American National Tours of “So You Think You Can Dance – Live.”

Thacker has produced both the UK and LA BAFTA Awards for stage and television. His work includes the TV phenomenon “American Idol,” where he served as Executive Producer for “American Idol – UK.” He was Consultant Producer for FOX on their 2007 and 2008 “New Year’s Eve LIVE from New York” specials.  In 2009, he created and choreographed the opening and closing sequences for “Idol Gives Back,” a powerful fundraising TV special that received The Governor’s Emmy Award.

In 2022 he was Executive Producer and Show-runner for CBS’s primetime dance show “Come Dance With Me.”

Jeff’s influential position has enabled him to dedicate his time to numerous global charities, including UNAIDS, UNICEF, Save The Children, Comic Relief, The Elton John AIDS Foundation, and in the U.S., The American Dance Movement, PETA, and Dance Dialogue.

In 2023, Jeff Thacker was honored to receive the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Dance Award,’ presented by Chita Rivera, recognizing his significant impact in the field of Dance.