ITV Studios forms US umbrella group

Paul Buccieri will lead a new ITV Studios US group that will reflect UK broadcaster ITV’s expanded stateside business.

The formation of the ITV Studios US Group, which will house ITV Studios America, comes after the acquisition of US producers Thinkfactory Media, High Noon Entertainment and Gurney Productions and ITV CEO Adam Crozier’s claim that ITVS is now among the top five producers in the States.

As a result, Buccieri will now take on the role of president and CEO, ITV Studios US Group, as well as managing director, ITV Studios International, which encompasses ITV’s entire global production and distribution business.

Furthermore, ITVS US has drafted in ITVS International’s director of legal and business affairs Julie Meldal-Johnsen as executive VP, operations; ITV Studios America’s Ivan Garel-Jones as executive VP, business affairs; and PriceWaterhouse Coopers’ Oliver de la Hoz as executive VP, finance. All three will sit on the US board with Buccieri, who will act as chair.

“Under Paul’s leadership we have continued to make great progress in building a strong international content business, an important part of ITV’s [strategic] Transformation Plan,” said ITV Studios managing director Kevin Lygo.

“The creation of this new leadership team will further underpin the momentum Paul has built as we continue to drive forward the expansion of the ITV Studios US Group.”

“Along with this new leadership team I am excited to continue working with Gurney Productions, High Noon Entertainment, Thinkfactory Media and ITV Studios America to expand on their success and build on their growth, it is a real pleasure working with this dynamic group of companies,” Buccieri said.

“I’m delighted that Julie and Ivan have moved up in the business, their expertise and knowledge of the industry, particularly in the US, will be invaluable. I’m thrilled to welcome Oliver to the team, his experience in both the media industry and mergers and acquisitions will be a real asset as we gain more momentum in this important market.”