ABC Studios International Taps Former NBCU International Studios Exec

Industry veteran Guy Sheppard has been named head of business affairs at ABC Studios International.

Sheppard will be based in London and will lead the business affairs and deal-making functions for ABC Studios International. Sheppard and his team will negotiate and manage all business deals in connection with ABC Studios International’s development and production activities, including engaging above-the-line talent, negotiating co-production arrangements, overseeing the licensing of ABC Studios International’s content across all platforms and providing strategic support for its business expansion. Sheppard was previously the senior VP of business, commercial and legal affairs at NBCUniversal International Studios where he led the commercial affairs team that served all of NBCU’s international television production. He was also responsible for all litigation, corporate and M&A deals; oversaw NBCU’s international format exploitation and managed a team based in London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Sydney and Vancouver.

In his new role, Sheppard will report to Howard Davine, the executive VP of business operations at ABC Studios. Sheppard will work closely with Keli Lee, the managing director of international content, platforms and talent at ABC Studios International to expand the development slate and continue to identify and develop worldwide content opportunities.

Davine commented, “Guy is one of the most accomplished and well-respected executives in the business. We’re thrilled to have him join the ABCSI team and look forward to working with him to help ABCSI achieve its fullest ambitions.”

Lee added, “It’s a real coup for ABC Studios International to have Guy join the team. He brings an expertise and insight to the area of international entertainment that is absolutely unparalleled. With Guy’s support, we will continue to grow and expand our slate and business.”