Ex-Max, Hulu acquisitions exec Jonathan Melber named head of global licensing at Apple TV+

Apple TV+’s recent original The Studio

Apple TV+ has appointed former Hulu and Max acquisitions executive Jonathan Melber as its head of global licensing.

California-based Melber has served as a consultant to the tech giant’s streaming platform since September 2023.

Until now, Apple TV+’s content library has almost entirely comprised its own original projects, though speculation began to ramp up last year that the streamer was looking to bring more acquired third-party content on to the service to complement its originals, bulk up its overall offering and expand its subscriber base.

In November, the company began looking for a head of global licensing. According to the job listing, the Culver City-based position is responsible for leading negotiations to acquire content both exclusively and non-exclusively across multiple regions, including North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

The position also involves ensuring regulatory compliance in all of the global territories where Apple TV+ operates.

Melber was previously senior VP of content acquisition at HBO Max, until 2022. Before that, he was VP of content monetisation at Turner Networks and also worked in Hulu’s content acquisition department.

Apple TV+’s roster of recent originals includes The Studio, Your Friends & Neighbours, Disclaimer and Severance.

Industry trade publication Puck was first to report Melber’s appointment.