Meldal-Johnson to run global content at ITV Studios

Julie Meldal-Johnsen has been appointed director of global content and will oversee acquisitions and coproduction at ITV’s worldwide programming arm.

The role opened after Ruth Berry (nee Clarke) was upped to managing director ITVS GE earlier this year.

Meldal-Johnson joins ITV Studios Global Entertainment from ITV Studios America, ITV’s US drama division, where she was president, scripted and business development.

Meldal-Johnsen was a lawyer before joining ITV (through Carlton) in 2001 and occupying various roles at the company. While in the US she has worked on ITV shows including Hallmark’s Good Witch and NBC’s Aquarius.

She will relocate from LA to London for the new role, which is effective from early January.

Ronan Hand, meanwhile, continues to manage ITVS GE’s unscripted acquisitions, with Kate Barnes managing scripted. Both will report to Meldal-Johnsen when she joins ITVS GE’s London team.

In the new role, she will report to Ruth Berry, who said: “I have worked with Julie for several years now and have always been impressed by her knowledge of the global market and wide ranging relationships.

“Her experience of the US, from both a creative and business perspective, sets her up brilliantly for this role. As I focus my energy on the next phase of ITVS GE’s strategy, I’m particularly pleased to be passing on the global content baton to Julie.”

Meldal-Johnsen added: “It’s a fascinating time to be working in the global content business and particularly in a role which sits between creative and sales.

“ITVS GE has a world leading portfolio of content, created by exceptional producers, both in-house and independents. I’m looking forward to working with them all and rejoining the fantastic ITVS GE team.”