ProSiebenSat.1-owned Studio71 is aiming to expand its UK operations with the appointment of a UK managing director.
James Stafford (pictured) has been appointed managing director for the UK, with a specific focus on millennial, lifestyle, parenting and kids’ programming. He has been tasked with building partnerships with advertisers for branded content, as well as with UK broadcasters and platforms including Netflix and YouTube Red.
Stafford joins Studio71 from StyleHaul, where he was senior VP of Europe. Prior to that, he was YouTube’s head of branded content for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and served as an account director at ITV.
Studio71 said it was preparing for “aggressive growth” with further appointments to be made in due course.
Global CEO Reza Izad said the company’s UK launch would allow the firm to “solve complex problems for both creators and brands, beyond just advertising and product placement.
“The addition of James combined with the added capabilities of our new studio allow Studio71 to accomplish these global growth goals,” Izad said.
Studio71 has been expanding globally over the past year, launching a French division in June after receiving investment from local broadcaster TF1 and Italy’s Mediaset in January. ProSiebenSat.1 retains a stake of around 70 per cent in the company.
