Maria Kyriacou upped at ITV Studios

Maria Kyriacou has been handed a wider role in at ITV Studios after being named president, international, of the content arm of UK-listed broadcaster ITV.

The role is a new one at ITV Studios, and puts Kyriacou in charge of its network of prodcos outside the US, as well as the US scripted division.

She will retain control of the ITV Studios Global Entertainment distribution unit that she was already helming.

The former Disney exec was handed wider responsibilities in 2014, taking responsibility for production in international markets, and the new move spreads her remit further.

She will report to Julian Bellamy, the former Channel 4 and Discovery exec who now runs ITV Studios after taking the role vacated by Kevin Lygo. Lygo succeeded Peter Fincham as director of television at ITV last month.

“This is a richly deserved promotion,” Bellamy (right) said. “Maria has vast experience of the international market and has expertly guided ITVS GE and our European and Australian studios through a strong period of growth.”

The move places all of ITV’s prodcos outside the US, the US scripted efforts and programme sales into one unit.

Philippe Maigret, the former Endemol Studios chief who oversees the US drama efforts, will now report to Kyriacou and will also now advise ITV Studios on its scripted strategy in international markets.

“Growing our global footprint is one of the key pillars of our strategy and a crucial part of this is scripted,” Bellamy said.

“The global demand for world-class drama continues and this structure will allow us to take even greater advantage of the many opportunities around the world.”

Speaking about her move and the new structure at ITV Studios Kyriaocu said: “We have an enormously talented team around the world that have already made significant progress in our global strategy. This strengthens our international network and allows us to build on the great experience we have had working with some of the world’s leading creative talent and networks.”

Brent Montgomery continues to run ITV America, which covers the US unscripted efforts and incorporates its roster of US prodcos.