‘The Flatshare’ firm 42 hires Universal alum as chief operating officer

David O’Donoghue (Source: 42)

Los Angeles and London-based management and production company 42 has appointed Universal International Studios alum David O’Donoghue as chief operating officer.

In his new role, he will run the group’s operations and business development globally, while also taking oversight of business affairs and production across the portfolio. Based in 42’s London office, O’Donoghue takes on the role with immediate effect.

O’Donoghue most recently served as head of studio at Universal International Studios, where he was responsible for the division’s business operations and played a major role in its growth strategy, bolstering the studio’s premium producing roster and expanding its co-production business into European markets. Prior to this, he was COO and joint MD of Carnival Films and has also served as EVP, business affairs, for Universal International Studios.

42 was formed in 2013 and is run by six partners: producers Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh, and managers Kate Buckley, Cathy King, Simon Beresford, and Josh Varney. The firm’s TV credits include the crime docuseries Who Killed Jill Dando? for Netflix, The Girl Before for BBC and HBO Max, The Flatshare for Paramount+ and the upcoming The Road Trip, also for Paramount+.

“David is a best-in-class business operator and strategic thinker, and his vast experience of running talent and storytelling focused global entertainment businesses makes him the perfect candidate to lead 42 with us as we build for the future,” said 42’s CEO Josh Varney.