NBCU hires Mike Beale

NBC Universal has recruited Mike Beale, one of the founders of 12 Yard Productions, as vice president, international television production.

In his new role Beale will develop NBCU’s international production strategy. He will also oversee format development and corporate acquisitions.

Based in London, Beale will report to NBCU International president Pete Smith on an interim basis while the company seeks a president for its international TV production division following the departure of Denise O’Donoghue last year.

After a stint running light entertainment at UK public broadcaster the BBC, Beale and five other ex-BBC execs set up 12 Yard with funding from UK indie Hat Trick. It was sold to ITV, then under the stewardship of Dawn Airey, for £26 million (US$40.7 million) in late 2007.

Beale subsequently joined Alchemy TV, producing Scene Stealers for BBC 2 and Mon Incroyable Fiance for TF1, before leaving in July of last year.