Newen Connect Taps BBC Studios Alum for English-Language Push

Newen Connect has hired former Mercury and BBC Studios executive Phil Sequeira to lead its burgeoning sales operations across the U.K. and North America.

Sequeira will be responsible for designing and implementing sales strategies for the U.K. and North America to help drive sales of new titles as well as the catalog. He will also explore and manage co-production opportunities for the distributor with broadcasters and platforms and look for further growth opportunities with existing and new market entrants.

The role sees him reporting to Newen Connect’s executive VP of distribution, Leona Connell.

Sequeira was previously senior VP of sales, distribution and marketing at Mercury Studios. Prior to this, he was VP of scripted sales and co-productions for BBC Studios. He has also held sales executive roles at both ITV Studios Global Entertainment and BBC Worldwide.

Connell said: “While there has never been a better time to sell European content to the English-speaking market, we also recognize that English language content has broad international appeal, so it is only natural that this should be the focus of the next stage of Newen Connect’s ambitious growth plans. Phil’s wide-ranging experience and his track record in delivering sales and co-productions within the UK and North America make him the perfect candidate to take on this important role.”

Sequeira added: “The breadth and quality of existing programming in the catalog, as well as our exciting slate of upcoming European and English-language productions, put Newen Connect in a tremendous position to fulfill the needs of so many broadcasters and platforms. I’m looking forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing success and the achievement of such ambitious growth plans.”