ITV Studios hires Argonon exec for non-scripted acquisitions

ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) has appointed Argonon’s Cecelie Olsen to its acquisitions team as SVP of global content for non-scripted.

Reporting into Julie Meldal-Johnson, EVP of global content, Olsen will lead the non-scripted team in managing the acquisition of all ITVS GE’s non-scripted content.

Olsen will join from Argonon International, where she has held the role of SVP sales and acquisitions since 2017. Prior to this she was director of formats and production at NBCUniversal International Studios, leading format sales for Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Russia, CIS, Germany and Africa.

With more than 17 years’ experience, Olsen previously also had stints at TwoFour helping to set up their distribution division, Target Entertainment, Fox Sports International, Sullivan Entertainment and Broadcast magazine.

Meldal-Johnsen said: “Cecilie’s appointment reiterates ITV GE’s commitment to non-scripted content. We have a fantastic range of programmes from both our internal and external producers but we are of course always hungry for more.

“With her enthusiasm for the genre, and deep knowledge of international markets, I am delighted that Cecilie is joining us and I am confident she will shape and continue our drive to grow our non-scripted slate.”

Olsen said: “Great storytellers are key in unscripted, how you draw the viewers into your world in reality, formats and documentaries requires real talent and skill.

“With an already amazing existing slate, I’m excited to be joining ITVS GE to continue to bring in fantastic content by working closely both with our internal partners as well as independent producers in collaborative and inventive ways.”