Disney+ is signalling a bigger push into UK content with the hire of ITV Studios exec Angela Jain as head of EMEA content.
The role - an expanded version of previous incumbent Liam Keelan’s senior vice-president of original content Liam Keenan, who left earlier this year - gives Jain oversight of commissioning, production management, business affairs on the streamer’s original productions from the region as well as branded acquisitions.
Hiring a British exec of Jain’s stature is a signal that Disney+ wants to build on the success of titles such as Rivals, which is currently in production on series two, A Thousand Blows, Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes and upcoming ‘anti-romantic comedy’ Alex and Steve.
Jain has been ITV Studios director of UK unscripted since 2021 and was previously managing director of ITVS label Lifted Entertainment.
She is a former controller of youth channels ITV2 and E4, greenlighting a string of award-winning scripted shows including Plebs, Timewasters, The Inbetweeners and Misfits.
ITVS has promoted MultiStory Media and Twofour chief executive Tim Carter to Jain’s previous role, which spans 11 labels including Rollercoaster Television, The Garden, Plimsoll and Oxford Scientific Films.
Carter joined ITVS in 2017 and was previously chief executive of Warner Bros-owned First Dates producer Twenty Twenty.
Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and Global Original Television Strategy, described Jain’s appointment as “an essential piece of our ambitious plan to grow our local slate for Disney+.
“Her expertise and experience will help build on our recent success and elevate our storytelling, bringing customers more local stories that complement our incomparable movies and shows from our global studios.”
Jain takes up the role in September.
