BBC Studios expands in Iberia with new Madrid-based team

L-R: Carlos Méndez, Cristina Miquel and David Urgell Pérez

BBC Studios is expanding its presence in Iberia with the launch of a dedicated operation for its channels and streaming business, based in Madrid.

The company has appointed David Urgell Pérez as country manager, Iberia, for global channels and streaming. He will oversee the company’s commercial strategy across Spain and Portugal.

Urgell Pérez was previously with SkyShowtime and more recently launched his own consultancy after leaving the streamer in 2023.

Alongside Urgell Pérez, BBC Studios has hired Cristina Miquel as head of marketing and Carlos Méndez as head of programming to staff the new base.

Miquel will lead local brand, communications and audience growth initiatives, while Méndez will oversee content and programming strategy for Iberia.

The move reflects the ongoing expansion of BBC Studios’ channels and streaming business in Spain, where it currently operates VoD service BBC Player and six FAST channels – BBC Top Gear, BBC Series, BBC Lifestyle, BBC History, BBC Food and BBC Earth.

The commercial arm of the UK public broadcaster reaches customers through local platforms including Movistar Plus, Vodafone, Digi and MasOrange, and through connected TV and streaming platforms including LG Channels, Pluto TV, Rakuten TV, Samsung TV Plus, TCL Channel, Titan OS and Xiaomi TV+.

Arran Tindall, BBC Studios president, EMEA, global channels and streaming, said: “Spain is one of our fastest-growing markets in Southern Europe, with strong demand for premium British content creating new opportunities for greater audience reach, distribution and advertising partnerships.

“Establishing a dedicated local team will build on success we have already achieved and the significant opportunity ahead, deepening our relationships with local partners, strengthening our commercial and advertising proposition, and continuing to expand the reach of BBC Studios’ brands and content for audiences across Iberia.”

Urgell Pérez added: “BBC Studios has built a strong foundation in Spain through its premium content, channel portfolio and trusted partnerships. The opportunity now is to build on that momentum and accelerate growth across FAST, streaming and commercial opportunities.”