Fox Entertainment Global names former Beyond Rights CEO David Smyth as EVP, content sales

David Smyth

Fox Entertainment Global (FEG) has appointed former Beyond Rights CEO David Smyth as EVP of content sales, with responsibility for worldwide distribution.

Smyth will also oversee domestic off-platform sales for programming produced by Fox Entertainment’s in-house studios, including Fox Alternative Entertainment, Fox Entertainment Studios, Studio Ramsay Global, Bento Box Entertainment, MarVista Entertainment and TMZ, as well as a slate of content from Tubi, FOX’s AVOD streaming service. Based in London and reporting to FEG COO Tony Vassiliadis, Smyth will officially assume his role at FEG in January 2024.

Most recently, Smyth served as a consultant to Fox Entertainment Studios on international scripted co-production and development partnerships, reporting to Michael Thorn, Fox Entertainment’s president of scripted programming.

Smyth will continue to work with Thorn in his new role, identifying and cultivating international co-production partnerships. He will also collaborate with Allison Wallach, the company’s president of unscripted programming, on international unscripted formats.

The veteran exec left his role as CEO of UK distributor Beyond Rights in January, following Banijay’s acquisition of parent company Beyond International.

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 One, as well as having had stints at both the BBC and ITV.

“With FEG’s portfolio continuing to expand with scripted, animated and unscripted programming, along with a slate of content from Tubi, David’s firm grasp across all genres and formats, as well as a strong track record of launching streaming platforms and an innovative approach to business, uniquely aligns with FEG’s entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit,” said Vassiliadis.

Smyth’s appointment rounds out FEG CEO Fernando Szew’s senior leadership team, which is led by Vassiliadis, who is responsible for overseeing all business operations for the company. They are joined by Deena Stern, SVP, marketing and communications; Lori Bernstein, SVP, business and legal affairs; and Michol Hatwan, VP, strategy and operations.