BBC Studios, UKTV appoint Karin Marelle as global head of acquisitions

BBC Studios (BBCS) and multichannel operator UKTV have named former Starz and Lionsgate exec Karin Marelle as global head of acquisitions.

Karin Marelle

In her new role, Marelle will oversee the sourcing of content across BBCS’s global channels and BBC-branded SVoD services in the UK, EMEA and APAC.

She will also be responsible for setting and executing the acquisitions strategy for content and pre-sales across BBCS-branded services and the UKTV network, reporting to Steve North, chief content officer at UKTV, which last year rebranded its portfolio of channels and pivoted to a digital-first strategy led by streaming service U.

Marelle has over 20 years’ international experience leading acquisitions and coproductions in global markets. She was most recently a commercial coproduction consultant, before which she was VP of acquisitions and coproductions at Starz and Lionsgate.

In that role, she developed and executed acquisitions strategies across Europe and Latin America, acquiring shows such as Gangs of London (Sky) and Normal People (BBC). She also brought popular UK dramas to North American audiences, most recently brokering pre-buys and coproductions for Mary & George (Sky) and The Couple Next Door (Channel 4).

Earlier in her career, Marelle held senior acquisitions roles at AMC Networks, ITV and BBC Worldwide, the previous identity of BBCS.

She will join BBCS and UKTV on February 17, filling the role previously held by Melanie Rumani, who died last year.

North said: “The past few months have been difficult as we continue to navigate the loss of our incredible colleague Mel Rumani, and I’m immensely proud of how the BBC Studios and UKTV global acquisitions team has come together to continue to drive the business forward.

“As we look to the future, I’m delighted that Karin Marelle is joining the business to lead the team. Her vast experience in the industry, coupled with her strategic approach and passion for television, make her the ideal candidate for the role and we can’t wait to have her on board.”