Ed Havard, former VP, Creative Partnerships for Universal Studio Group will now spearhead unscripted efforts for Universal International Studios (UIS) as SVP, Creative, Unscripted Programming.
Based in London and reporting to Head of Studio, David O’Donoghue, Havard will be responsible for leading the studio’s unscripted strategy in the UK, building on the studio’s partnerships with creators, producers and on-screen talent “to source shows with global scale and appeal.”
Since joining NBCUniversal, he has developed a range of projects involving key NBCU talent and IP – and will be tasked with tapping further into NBCUniversal’s talent roster and library of IP, identifying new opportunities to build on the company’s unscripted brands, and fostering further creative partnerships between Monkey, Matchbox Pictures, the studio’s Formats Division and Universal Television Alternative Studio.
Havard, who joined NBCUniversal in 2019, has already forged a number of unscripted deals and projects, including partnerships with UK producers and talent. Last year, he also fostered a development partnership between the BBC and NBCUniversal to identify and fund ideas from UK-based indies with transatlantic potential.
David O’Donoghue, Head of Universal International Studios said “Ed is a highly respected and gifted creative executive, with a flair for identifying great shows with global potential and fostering talent both on and off screen. Under his leadership, we will supercharge our stellar unscripted business and continue to break new ground with our programming.”
Ed Havard added “It’s a very exciting time for Universal International Studios. The scale and ambition of unscripted programming across NBCUniversal is extraordinary. I can’t wait to drive this next phase of growth in our unscripted strategy, ensuring that UIS remains the home for the most exciting ideas and talent in the UK and international market.”
Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Havard spent seven years at Channel 4 across various roles including Head of Entertainment and TV events, where he built a slate of shows and projects, including the BAFTA winning The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan. He began his career at the BBC, where he went on to become the editor of BBC One’s Question Time and Executive Producer for BBC Arts and Entertainment.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
