UKTV today announces the appointment of Sam Tewungwa as Chief Executive Officer, who will lead the company’s next phase of growth.
Tewungwa, currently Managing Director of UKTV, will take responsibility for the overall strategic direction and performance of the business. He will lead UKTV’s continued growth across its portfolio of channels and its free streaming service, U, with a focus on strengthening partnerships to increase the scale, reach and distribution of the company’s brands and services.
Marcus Arthur, CEO, BBC Studios – Global Channels & Streaming, said: “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.”
Sam Tewungwa said: “I’m honoured to be taking on the role of UKTV’s next CEO. While there are clear challenges across the market, I am optimistic about the future of our industry and the role UKTV can play within it. 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.”
Tewungwa joined BBC Studios in 2013 as Commercial Director for TV Sales before moving into a broader commercial role. He played an integral role in the acquisition of UKTV by BBC Studios following the demerger of the Discovery joint venture. In 2019, he joined the UKTV Board as Chief Commercial Officer, and in 2023 was appointed Managing Director.
During his time at UKTV, Tewungwa has played a pivotal role in securing and strengthening key partnership and distribution agreements, including major carriage deals for U with Channel 4, Sky and Virgin. He has also led the renegotiation of significant advertising sales agreements and overseen the company’s digital transformation.
Tewungwa’s appointment follows the expansion of the remit of current UKTV CEO Marcus Arthur, who now leads a global portfolio with responsibility for all BBC Studios global channels and streaming services outside of the United States. Tewungwa will report to Arthur and takes up the role of Chief Executive Officer on 1 April 2026.
–ENDS–
For further information please contact:
Kerry Goode, Director of Communications, UKTV
Rebecca Ferris, Corporate Communications Manager, UKTV
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands – U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&GOLD, U&alibi and U&eden - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV’s content is also
available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media.
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About BBC Studios
The main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd, BBC Studios generated revenues in the last year of £1.8 billion and a third consecutive year of profits of over £200 million. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes content globally and Media & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including bbc.com and BritBox International and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made more than 2,800 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide selection of public service and commercial broadcasters and platforms, both in the UK and across the globe. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.
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