Paramount’s UK Network 5 Introduces Its New President

Reemah Sakaan has been appointed as the new head of Paramount’s UK network, Channel 5, succeeding Sarah Rose. Sakaan, who previously led BritBox International, will officially assume her role in two weeks.

In her new position, Sakaan will drive the broadcaster’s growth strategy as Channel 5 enhances its presence in the streaming market. She will oversee the network’s content chief Ben Frow, along with the commissioning, content, and marketing teams, as well as the commercial distribution and product teams. Collaboration with Lee Sears, Paramount’s President of International Ad Sales, will also be a part of her responsibilities.

Sakaan will report directly to Kevin MacLellan, Paramount’s International President, who has been in London recently conducting interviews for the position. Before securing her role at Channel 5, Sakaan was considered a frontrunner to become the CEO of Channel 4, a position that ultimately went to Priya Dogra.

Sakaan is recognized for her leadership at BritBox International, which she managed for eight years across various regions, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Under her guidance, the platform featured notable productions such as Agatha Christie adaptations and Irvine Welsh’s *Crime*. Additionally, she has successfully negotiated partnerships with major companies, including Amazon and Apple. Prior to her tenure at BritBox, she held marketing roles at the BBC and ITV.

Sakaan takes over from Rose, who departed at the end of last year to lead the Royal Foundation of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Under Frow’s direction, Channel 5 has made notable strides, recently greenlighting a drama about disgraced BBC News anchor Huw Edwards and an adaptation of Graham Norton’s *Forever Home* in collaboration with FilmNation and Mediapro.

MacLellan expressed enthusiasm regarding Sakaan’s appointment, stating, “I’m excited that we’ve been able to appoint someone of Reemah’s calibre to be the new President of 5. She brings a wealth of experience in streaming, content and commercial strategy, and I look forward to working closely with her to deliver the next phase of 5’s growth journey.”

Sakaan remarked, “I’ve long admired 5’s exceptional understanding of its audience. It consistently punches above its weight and is loved by viewers, advertisers and UK creatives as a place for authentic and resonant British storytelling. I can’t wait to work with Ben Frow, Kevin MacLellan and all the team to continue accelerating 5’s streaming growth in the most exciting of new eras.”