BBC Studios’ Karl Warner Heads to L.A. for Key Global Formats Position!

BBC Studios has recently established a new position centered around global formats and assigned Karl Warner to take on this role from Los Angeles.

Warner is making the move to the U.S. with responsibilities that include seeking out and collaborating with the next wave of creative talent to develop international television formats. He will undertake these duties as the EVP of Global Creator Partnerships & Creative Development, reporting directly to Zai Bennett, the head of production.

Previously serving as the Executive Vice President of UK Entertainment and Digital Development at BBC Studios, Warner joined the company two years ago after his tenure as the digital head at Channel 4.

His new role will focus on intellectual property identification and fostering connections between UK and global production teams in the unscripted sector. He will also work on developing collaborative IP and adapting existing formats for global markets, closely working with TalentWorks and its leader, Helen O’Donnell. This shift is part of Bennett’s broader strategy to integrate production and sales into a unified BBC Studios Global Content division.

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Following Warner’s transition, Suzy Lamb, head of BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, will assume his previous responsibilities in the UK, overseeing the company’s three entertainment labels.

In Los Angeles, Warner will join forces with Mark Linsey, who manages the scripted projects for BBC Studios, as well as the existing U.S. teams. His background includes leading youth programming at Channel 4 and managing production companies.

Bennett expressed optimism about the new appointments, stating, “Together, Suzy and Karl will advance our creative vision and unlock new possibilities across various markets and platforms. Karl’s appointment is crucial for our creative evolution and deeper engagement with the burgeoning creator economy.”