BBC Studios and UKTV Appoint Karin Marelle as Global Acquisitions Chief
BBC Studios and UKTV Appoint Karin Marelle as Global Head of Acquisitions
BBC Studios and UKTV have announced the appointment of Karin Marelle as the new Global Head of Acquisitions. This role places her at the forefront of the global buying teams responsible for sourcing content for UKTV, as well as for BBCS’s global channels and BBC-branded SVOD services across the UK, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. BBCS owns UKTV.
Marelle is set to begin her new position on February 17, after serving as a co-productions consultant. Prior to this, she held the role of Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-productions at Starz/Lionsgate from 2020 to 2024. She steps into this position following the passing of Melanie Rumani in June 2025, who previously held the Head of Global Acquisitions role.
In the interim, Sophie Judge, UKTV’s Senior Global Acquisitions Manager, and Harriet Armston-Clarke, BBCS’s Senior Global Acquisitions Manager, have managed Rumani’s responsibilities.
Steve North, Chief Content Officer at UKTV, acknowledged the challenges faced in recent months due to Rumani’s absence. He commended the dedication of the BBC Studios and UKTV Global Acquisitions team during this period. “I’m delighted that Karin Marelle is joining the business to lead the team,” he stated. “Her vast experience in the industry, coupled with her strategic approach and passion for television, make her the ideal candidate for the role.”
During her tenure at Starz/Lionsgate, Marelle was responsible for acquisition strategies in Europe and Latin America, securing titles such as Gangs of London and Normal People. She also facilitated pre-buys and co-productions for Mary & George and The Couple Next Door. In her new role at UKTV/BBCS, she will report directly to North.
Marelle expressed enthusiasm about joining the team at a pivotal moment for the organization. “UKTV is going from strength to strength in both performance and ambition,” she remarked. “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.”
Before her consulting role, Marelle held acquisitions positions at AMC Networks, ITV, and the predecessor of BBCS, BBC Worldwide.
