Beyond Rights CEO David Smyth to depart following Banijay acquisition

David Smyth

David Smyth is departing as CEO of UK-based distributor Beyond Rights, following Banijay’s acquisition of parent company Beyond International earlier this month,

Former Twentieth Century Fox exec Smyth was installed as CEO of Beyond’s distribution last year, as revealed by TBI, following the exit of Kate Llewellyn-Jones, and will now make his own departure on 31 January.

Prior to Beyond Rights, Smyth was the founder and CEO of AVOD service YouLook.tv, which he launched in 2020 with ex-Northern Shell and MCap executive Jason Mawer. He left the business in October 2021 and before that worked for Twentieth Century Fox where, latterly as SVP and MD, he initiated the BBC/FX deal. Smyth has also previously led acquisitions at Sky 1, as well as having had stints at both the BBC and ITV.

His exit from Beyond Rights follows its acquisition by European production and distribution giant Banijay several weeks ago.

A spokesperson for Banijay Rights said that Smyth’s exit comes “as Banijay embarks on integrating Beyond International Limited into its existing group.” Of Smyth they said: “He joined Beyond Rights in December 2021 and made a significant contribution to the company through his strong and effective leadership. We’d like to thank him for his hard work and commitment to the business and wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”