BBC Studios has named Robi Stanton as executive vice president & general manager of global media and streaming for Australia and New Zealand. In this newly appointed role, Stanton will oversee content sales, channels and streaming, and advertising sales across the region.
With more than 25 years of experience in media and entertainment, Stanton brings a wealth of expertise in distribution, commercial strategy, marketing, and advertising sales. She is currently the commercial director for CNN International and has previously held senior leadership roles at Warner Bros. Discovery and Turner International.
Since July 2023, Stanton has served as commercial director, content sales & strategic partnerships at CNN International, where she has been responsible for business development, distribution, and the monetisation of news across key Asia-Pacific markets. Prior to CNN, she held leadership roles at Warner Bros. Discovery and Turner International, managing business operations in Australia and Singapore. Her career has spanned content, commercial strategy, marketing, digital, and operations, with a focus on driving business transformation and growth.
A strategic appointment amid BBC Studios’ growth in ANZ
Stanton’s appointment comes at a time of significant expansion and innovation for BBC Studios in Australia and New Zealand. The past year has seen enhancements to BBC.com and the BBC app, the launch of six FAST channels on Nine, and the arrival of BBC First on Sky NZ. BBC Studios has also renewed key partnerships with Nine and TVNZ for premium natural history programming, including Asia and Blue Planet III, and extended its long-standing collaboration with the ABC for drama, entertainment, comedy, and children’s content.
“Australia and New Zealand continue to be priority markets for BBC Studios, with deep cultural connections to our world-class content and strong partnerships with local broadcasters and streamers,” the company stated. This includes major titles such as A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Stan, ThreeNow), Death in Paradise (BritBox, BBC First NZ), the Emmy-winning Baby Reindeer (Netflix), and the highly anticipated Walking with Dinosaurs (ABC).
Stanton to drive BBC Studios’ streaming and content strategy
In her new role, Stanton will work alongside Kylie Washington, EVP & GM of global entertainment ANZ, to develop innovative cross-business growth strategies for BBC Studios’ partners in the region. She will officially begin on 26 March, reporting directly to Nick Percy, president of global markets.
Percy welcomed Stanton’s appointment, saying: “Robi has an exemplary track record of innovating and driving growth across digital, content, and brands. She has achieved this through a visionary approach and smart strategic partnerships. We have ambitious plans for our world-leading content, channels, digital platforms, and streaming services, and I’m delighted that Robi will be leading the way for BBC Studios in ANZ.”
Stanton expressed her enthusiasm for the new role: “I have always been impressed by BBC Studios’ incredible suite of content, services, and brands, as well as its ability to constantly innovate across its partnerships. I look forward to contributing to the company’s future, helping drive growth for both BBC Studios and its partners in the local industry, and working with the talented teams at BBC Studios.”