Paramount has appointed former BritBox International CEO Reemah Sakaan as president of its UK TV channel, 5.
Sakaan brings more than two decades of experience in streaming, global content and public service television to the role, in which she will oversee the UK broadcaster’s growth strategy as it continues to expand its streaming presence.
At BritBox, she scaled the 50/50 joint venture between BBC and ITV internationally. Becoming global CEO of the company in 2020, she saw annual growth of 25 per cent and oversaw BBC Studios acquiring ITV’s holding in 2024. She also negotiated global supply deals with Amazon, Apple, Google and Comcast and was responsible for commissioning and co-producing a number of British dramas, including Irvine Welsh’s Crime, After the Flood and Beyond Paradise.
Sakaan has also previously served as director of marketing and media at ITV and head of marketing for BBC One, where she was part of the launch team behind BBC iPlayer.
Joining 5 on 27th January, she will report to Kevin MacLellan, Paramount’s president, international and global content distribution and work closely with Lee Sears, president of international ad sales at Paramount.
Commenting on her appointment, Sakaan said, “I’ve long admired 5’s exceptional understanding of its audience. It consistently punches above its weight and is loved by viewers, advertisers and UK creatives as a place for authentic and resonant British storytelling.”
MacLellan said, “I’m excited that we’ve been able to appoint someone of Reemah’s calibre to be the new president of 5. She brings a wealth of experience in streaming, content and commercial strategy and I look forward to working closely with her to deliver the next phase of 5’s growth journey.”
