Karl Warner , the former Channel 4 digital exec, has joined BBC Studios as Executive Vice President of UK Entertainment and Digital Development. Working with the recently formed BBC Studios Global Entertainment division will form a new team focused on creating new IP and formats for the BBC as well as other UK and global platforms. He will also work with Global Entertainment teams around the world, especially in the U.
S., to reimagine international ideas for the UK market. These would then be produced by the new BBC Studios Entertainment division led by MD for UK Entertainment Suzy Lamb.
A third prong to his role will see him seek to help create new labels and support existing BBC Studios companies such as the recently launched Rebel Rebel Pictures. The role begins in November. The move marks a return back to the BBC, where he was previously a commissioning editor.
Warner exited his previous role as Head of Youth and Digital at UK network Channel 4 as part of a series of cuts earlier this year. We first reported on his expected exit in February and the confirmation followed a month later. Caroline Hollick, Channel 4’s former drama chief, resurfaced in a new UK role at The North Road Company last week.
In Warner’s new role at BBC Studios, he will report into Matt Forde, the Global Entertainment Managing Director. Warner has worked in senior industry positions in the UK for the past 15 Yeats, holding his commissioning roles at the BBC and Channel 4 and running his own indie.