ITVS sales arm names new MD

Ruth Clarke has been named managing director of ITV Studios Global Entertainment.

She was previously executive VP, global content strategy and investment at ITV Studios’ sales arm after landing a promotion last year, as first reported by TBI.

The former Shine International senior VP will report to ITVS’s international president, Maria Kyriacou, and oversee global distribution strategy as well as her existing content acquisition activities.

It is understood that with former ITVSGE MD Kryiacou taking to a wider remit as international chief in February it was decided internally that Clarke should become more hands-on with sales and be promoted to MD.

Kryiacou ultimately retains control of ITVSGE. “ITVSGE has grown consistently over the last five years having built a stellar global network of producers from both within ITVS and the wider business,” she said.

“Ruth’s leadership of the content strategy has put the business on the right footing for our next phase of growth and I know she will work really well with the fantastic ITVS GE team to achieve this.”

Clarke’s promotion is the latest management change at the international arm of UK broadcaster ITV.

Earlier this year, Kyriacou became president of international at ITVS, handing her control of the firm’s group of production companies outside the US, and its LA-based scripted division. Brent Montgomery has control of ITV America’s unscripted portfolio after being handed the reins in December.

Former Channel 4 and Discovery Networks International content chief Julian Bellamy now runs ITVS as MD. He succeeded Kevin Lygo, who moved over to run the core UK broadcaster to replace Peter Fincham.

Clarke joined ITVS in 2012 as director of acquisitions and coproductions, leaving her role as senior VP, EMEA at Endemol Shine International predecessor Shine International. Prior to Shine she held a number of senior roles at The Walt Disney Company.

“The business is in a great position – we have a brilliant team representing a world-class portfolio of content across almost all genres,” said Clarke. “It’s a fascinating time to be working in the global television business, the opportunities are vast and my priority will be for ITVS GE to continue to make the very most of them.”