The Group Director ITV SVOD has been named as the new international CEO at Britbox.
Reemah Sakaan, whose current department was responsible for the launch of BritBox in the UK, will now be responsible for steering the rollout of BritBox to up to 25 countries worldwide.
“The role attracted a very impressive field of external candidates which reflects the strength and appeal of the BritBox brand. Reemah was deservedly successful and I am really pleased that she will lead BritBox internationally,” said Carolyn McCall, CEO, ITV.
Sakaan will officially start at the BBC Studios-ITV joint venture in April, when she will lead a team of 100. She’ll be responsible for BritBox in all territories outside of the UK.
“It’s been fantastic to have been part of the Britbox journey so far. I can’t wait for our next exciting phase of growth in existing markets and to put BritBox and the best of British creativity on the map in many more,’ said Sakaan.
The ad-free subscription video-on-demand streaming service first launched in North America in March 2017 and announced it had surpassed 1.5 million subscribers in October 2020. In the UK, BritBox launched in November 2019, followed by Australia in November 2020. Earlier this month it was announced that South African audiences will be the next to enjoy BritBox, with the service set to launch in the second half of 2021.
Britbox now wants to build on its success across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa. Internationally, BritBox operates as a 50/50 joint venture between BBC Studios and ITV.