Warner Bros. hires Fox exec for UK

Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (WBITVD) has hired former Fox Networks Group UK buyer Toby Etheridge, TBI has learned.

The well-known Etheridge has taken the role of executive director of sales for the UK and Ireland at WBITVD, which sells studio programming and movies to broadcasters and streaming services.

He will report to Alison Morris, who was last December promoted to senior VP of sales for the UK and Ireland at WBITVD.

Etheridge’s departure from Fox comes after six-and-a-half years at the broadcaster, where he was most recently head of programming and scheduling for the UK.

This saw him running networks such as Fox, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild and recently launched DTT net YourTV, overseeing all programming, scheduling and acquisitions.

Recent acquisitions include CBS drama Bull and Australian horror-thriller Wolf Creek, and Fox series Lucifer and The Gifted.

News of his new role first emerged as Fox in September, when a rejig saw him exit for what a source called “a new external opportunity”.

Shoshana Wilson has since replaced him as programming and scheduling chief at Fox, taking over the channel bouquet.

At the same time, Fox UK had announced the retirement of managing director Jeff Ford, who is stepping back after a 40-year TV career.

Before Fox UK, Etheridge had worked in global acquisitions for Fox and in the business affairs and acquisitions department at Discovery Networks.

It’s understood he began his role at WBITVD yesterday, with the company confirming his appointment to TBI.