BBCS hires Paramount Global exec Lawrence Szabo to oversee US distribution

Lawrence Szabo

BBC Studios (BBCS) has landed Paramount Global exec Lawrence Szabo to oversee distribution in the US.

Szabo becomes EVP of US content distribution, effective immediately, and is based out of LA, reporting into Janet Brown, BBCS’s president of content distribution in North America and Latin America.

His remit includes leading the team responsible for scripted and factual programming deals, while also overseeing co-production and content acquisition across all platforms. BBCS said Szabo would play a “key role” in shaping its strategic direction.

The exec was most recently senior executive of programme acquisitions across Paramount’s streaming and cable portfolio, including Paramount+, Pluto TV, MTVE Networks, Nickelodeon, BET and Showtime Networks.

During his time with the group, which has been cutting staff over recent months, he oversaw deals including the acquisition of streaming rights for the US version of Ghosts, which is based on a BBCS format.

Prior to Paramount, Szabo was EVP of North American TV/SVOD sales at Lionsgate, having begun his career at MGM.

Brown said: “[Szabo’s] passion for great content, thoughtful sales strategies and deep respect for buyers has earned him an incredible network of relationships across the industry.”

Szabo said he would focus on creating “the most compelling programming solutions” for streamers and networks in the region.