BBCS promotes Ryan O’Dowd to oversee entertainment and music in US

BBC Studios (BBCS) in LA has promoted senior VP of entertainment development Ryan O’Dowd to executive VP of entertainment and music.

Ryan O’Dowd

In his new role, will focus on developing high-profile talent-driven projects, major entertainment formats and original series, spanning gameshows, music programmes and lifestyle series

O’Dowd will also collaborate with UK producers from BBCS and independent producers on top formats and original shows for the US market.

At BBCS, O’Dowd has worked on titles including the US remake of gameshow Weakest Link on NBC, hosted by Jane Lynch, comedy series When Nature Calls with Helen Mirren, which premiered on ABC this summer, and original format Ex-Rated, hosted by Andy Cohen, for Peacock.

Prior to joining BBCS, O’Dowd served as VP of development for Ryan Seacrest Productions.

Valerie Bruce, general manager of LA productions at BBCS, said: “Ryan has been a driving force in leading the charge for us to achieve record growth in unscripted over the past year, and I look forward to him playing an even greater role in expanding our business.

“He brings passion, commitment and endless energy to every project he tackles. His creativity, along with his development acumen and his flair for talent relations, have proven to be a winning combination.”