UKTV has promoted managing director Sam Tewungwa to chief executive officer, after incumbent Marcus Arthur took on an expanded role.
Tewunga will oversee the business’s strategic direction and performance across its channel portfolio and U streaming service, as well as strengthening its third-party partnership and distribution agreements, including carriage deals for U with Channel 4, Sky and Virgin.
Arthur, who had been chief executive since 2019, now has a more global role as chief executive of BBC Studios – global channels & streaming.
Tewungwa joined BBCS in 2013 as commercial director for TV Sales and played an integral role in its acquisition of UKTV following the demerger of the Discovery joint venture.
He joined the UKTV board as chief commercial officer in 2019, becoming managing director in 2023.
“While there are challenges across the market, I am optimistic about the future of our industry and the role UKTV can play within it,” Tewungwa said.
“We have an exceptional team, much-loved brands, and a culture that is the envy of many across the sector. As part of the BBC Group, we benefit from real scale, ambition and opportunity. I’m confident UKTV will continue to flourish and grow, and I’m excited about what we will achieve together.”
Arthur added: “Sam has a deep understanding of UKTV’s business. His commercial instinct, strategic clarity and ability to bring teams together consistently drive results. He anticipates both challenges and opportunities and has a clear view of where we are strong, where we are evolving and where we need to push harder. This is absolutely the right leadership decision for the next phase of UKTV’s growth.”
