Beatrice Springborn, David O’Donoghue promoted at Universal International Studios

Universal International Studios (formerly NBCUniversal International Studios) has made a pair of its interim executive appointments permanent with the promotion of Beatrice Springborn to president and David O’Donoghue to head.

Beatrice Springborn

Springborn, who is also president of Universal Content Productions, will continue to report to Universal Studio Group chairman Pearlena Igbokwe, who said the pair “have proven to be a dynamic and collaborative duo” while holding their roles on an interim basis. UK-based O’Donoghue will continue to report to Springborn.

With the promotion, Springborn now has oversight over all aspects of the Universal International Studios slate, with a primary focus on growing its global footprint. She will continue to oversee the in-house scripted programming division, which has developed and produced projects such as Hanna for Amazon Prime and Dodger for the BBC, and its production labels including Carnival Films, Heyday Television, Matchbox Pictures, Monkey Kingdom, Working Title Television and Tony Ayres Productions.

David O’Donoghue

Springborn joined Universal Studio Group in November 2020 after a six-year stint with Hulu in the US where she led comedy and drama development, coproductions and casting.

O’Donoghue was formerly executive VP, business affairs and operations for Universal International Studios. Before that he was joint MD and chief operating officer for Carnival Films.

Elsewhere, Universal Studio Group announced that NBCUniversal Formats, which handles international sales for formats including Top Chef, Suits and The Real Housewives franchise, will sit under the Universal International Studios banner. NBCUniversal Formats joined Universal Studio Group in 2020 but until now had not been associated with a specific studio brand.