Universal International Studios names Beatrice Springborn as President

Universal International Studios recently appointed Beatrice Springborn to President of the company, and David O’Donoghue to Head of Universal International Studios. “In the interim roles, Beatrice and David have proven to be a dynamic and collaborative duo,”Pearlena Igbokwe, chairman of Universal Studio Group, said. “Expanding Beatrice’s purview to drive both of these bold, vibrant divisions will expand opportunities for our talent and IP and amplify our global success.”

Springborn is set to contribute creative strategies to strengthen Universal's in-house scripted programming division, which is responsible for developing and producing shows including “Hanna” for Amazon and “Dodger” for BBC. The global operation’s production labels include Carnival Films, Heyday Television, Matchbox Pictures, Monkey Kingdom, Working Title Television and Tony Ayres Productions. "This cross-studio collaboration allows us to further that mission and amplify our international talent and IP. Our international team, led by David, is the best in the business. So I am thrilled to continue collaborating with them to unlock even more potential of the studio and bring more great voices to the fore.”

The U.K.-based Donoghue will report to Springborn, and continue to have operational responsibility for the international business. Meanwhile, Springborn reports into Igbokwe and now has oversight of all aspects of Universal International Studios’ slate, with a keen focus on growing the studio’s global footprint. In addition to her promotion, Springborn has brought on Jennifer Gwartz to serve as Executive Vice President. The new executive will be tasked with overseeing operational workflows across all UCP’s studio functions including production, current and development to provide a consistent experience across the studio.

Springborn joined Universal Studio Group in November 2020 following a six-year run at Hulu. Shortly before Universal International Studios was rebranded from NBCUniversal International Studios in November of last year, she began leading comedy and drama development, co-productions and casting across the streamer’s slate of originals. O’Donoghue previously served as  executive VP of business affairs and operations for Universal International Studios. Prior to that, he served as joint managing director and chief operating officer for Carnival Films, producers of “Downton Abbey.”

Universal International Studios will now comprise of NBCUniversal Formats, which has had success exporting its IP around the world in the form of local adaptations. As revealed by Variety, the company recently sold an Arabic version of “Suits” into OSN, and is also producing the first international adaptation of workplace comedy “Superstore.” The division’s brands include “The Real Housewives” franchise, “Top Chef” and “Suits”. Elsewhere, the studio’s recent productions include Netflix thriller “Clickbait,” produced by its production companies Matchbox Pictures, Tony Ayres Productions and Heyday Television, and music comedy “We Are Lady Parts” from Working Title Television for Channel 4 and Peacock. “Universal International Studios has always embraced and championed global storytelling and the best-in-class storytellers,” said Springborn.