BBC Studios and UKTV have appointed Karin Marelle to lead their Global Acquisitions team, overseeing the sourcing of content across BBC Studios' global channels and BBC-branded SVOD services in the UK, EMEA and APAC (Asia Pacific).
Marelle, who has over 20 years' international experience leading acquisitions and co-productions in global markets, will be responsible for setting and executing the acquisitions strategy forcontent and pre-sales across BBC Studios' branded services and the UKTV network. Reporting to Steve North, Chief Content Officer, UKTV, she will play a central role in maximising the organisations' joint buying power to drive value and strengthen the content offering across platforms.
North said: The past few months have been difficult as we continue to navigate the loss of our incredible colleague Mel Rumani, and I'm immensely proud of how the BBC Studios and UKTV Global Acquisitions team has come together to continue to drive the business forward.
As we look to the future, I'm delighted that Karin Marelle is joining the business to lead the team. Her vast experience in the industry, coupled with her strategic approach and passion for television, make her the ideal candidate for the role and we can't wait to have her on board.
Marelle added: I am honoured to be joining UKTV and BBC Studios at such a transformative time for the business. I feel privileged to work with Steve and such a talented acquisitions team.UKTV is going from strength to strength in both performance and ambition, so it's a great time to be leading our acquisitions strategy and contributing to the continued growth of U and the linear channels globally. I look forward to working with our talented teams and distribution partners to bring even more unmissable shows to our audiences in the UK and beyond.
Marelle's wealth of experience combines deep market knowledge with strategic vision and sound editorial judgement. Most recently she has worked as a Commercial Co-Production Consultant, orchestrating successful collaborations with international distributors and broadcasters.
Prior to this, Marelle was Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-productions at STARZ/Lionsgate, where she developed and executed acquisitions strategies across Europe and LATAM, acquiring hits such as Gangs of London (Sky) and Normal People (BBC), which boosted subscriber growth and elevated the brand's international profile. During her tenure, she brought many popular UK dramas to North American audiences, most recently brokering pre-buys/co-productions for Mary & George (Sky) and The Couple Next Door (Channel 4).
Earlier in her career, Marelle held senior acquisitions roles at AMC Networks, ITV and BBC Worldwide, where she was recognised for securing high-value, competitive deals and shaping strong, distinctive content portfolios.
Karin Marelle will start in post on 17 February 2026.
-End-
For further information, please contact:
Rebecca Ferris, Corporate Communications Manager, UKTV
Rebecca.ferris@uktv.co.uk
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love.
Its leading brands - U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&GOLD, U&alibi and U&eden - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform.
UKTV's content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media.
UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity and we are committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers. UKTV is part of BBC Studios, the UKs most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the worlds leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.
corporate.uktv.co.uk | press.uktv.co.uk | @uktvpress
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BBC Studios and UKTV have appointed Karin Marelle to lead their Global Acquisitions team, overseeing the sourcing of content across BBC Studios' global channels and BBC-branded SVOD services in the UK, EMEA and APAC (Asia Pacific).
