BBC Studios Taps Paramount Global Alum for U.S. Sales

BBC Studios has appointed Lawrence Szabo as executive VP of U.S. content distribution.

Szabo will lead a team of licensing specialists for scripted and factual programming, pursuing co-production and content acquisition deals across the full landscape of streaming platforms and linear networks. He will play a key role in shaping BBC Studios’ strategic direction and generating growth and profit across the region’s content licensing division.

Szabo comes to BBC Studios from Paramount Global, where he served as senior executive of program acquisitions across the company’s diverse streaming and cable portfolio comprised of Paramount+, Pluto TV, MTVE Networks, Nickelodeon, BET and Showtime Networks. Prior to Paramount, Szabo was executive VP for North American TV/SVOD Sales at Lionsgate and began his career at MGM, where he held various roles across the company’s television group, home entertainment and film studios divisions.

“Lawrence comes to us with a proven track record on both sides of the table and across a range of genres,” said Janet Brown, BBC Studios’ president of content distribution for North America and Latin America. “His passion for great content, thoughtful sales strategies and deep respect for buyers have earned him an incredible network of relationships across the industry. I am truly delighted to welcome him to the team at BBC Studios.”

Szabo added, “I’m thrilled to join BBC Studios, a creative powerhouse that has built a strong and diverse content pipeline generating literally thousands of hours of programming annually spanning an unparalleled range of genres and specialties. From globally renowned franchises like Doctor Who, Bluey and Planet Earth to fresh content, including upcoming comedy series Black Ops and Cheaters and premium unscripted docuseries Blondie: The Early Years, I’m excited for the opportunity to tap into BBC Studios’ beloved brand to offer the most compelling programming solutions to streaming platforms and linear networks in the region.”