Robert Schildhouse promoted to CEO, Direct to Consumer at BBC Studios

New role and rebranded business reflect Schildhouse’s oversight of BritBox, BBC Select, and all future direct to consumer ambitions in North America.

Robert Schildhouse has been elevated to CEO, of the newly renamed Direct to Consumer business comprising BritBox in North America and BBC Select. The appointment reflects future growth ambitions for both direct-to-consumer businesses in North America. Schildhouse previously served as President of BritBox.

Last year, BBC Select, the documentary streaming service from BBC Studios, was brought under Schildhouse’s leadership. This has allowed BBC Studios to deliver a more focused approach to its streaming operations and to create economies of scale, reflecting its ambition to be the home of the most powerful, entertaining, and inspiring stories for people all around the world.

Following the launch of BritBox Premier in North America last year, BritBox has cemented its place as the premium destination for lovers of British content in the market.

BBC Select is now the third largest documentary streamer in the US. It is the fastest growing service amongst its competitor set, with subscriptions up over 50% year-on-year—well ahead of expectations.

Tom Fussell, CEO, BBC Studios: “Today’s announcement is a testament to Robert’s leadership, and to the scale of opportunity in North America for our direct-to-consumer operations and the strategic importance to BBC Studios’ future growth and investment. Since BBC Studios acquired BritBox in 2024, the service has delivered fantastic results, driving significant revenue growth and building a highly loyal subscriber base. Following the launch of BritBox Premier last year, BritBox has firmly cemented its position as the premium destination for lovers of British content in North America, while BBC Select has within a short period of time established itself as a distinctive service for North American audiences looking for quality factual programming shot through with the hallmark of the BBC.”

Robert Schildhouse, CEO, Direct to Consumer, BBC Studios: “This has been an incredible time of growth for both BritBox and BBC Select, following a transformative few years for both our streaming businesses. I’m honored to step into this new role for BBC Studios and excited about what’s to come as we continue to build on our momentum and serve passionate fans of British storytelling.”

About BritBox
BritBox is the leading streaming destination for the best of British television, offering an unmatched collection of expertly curated entertainment. From critically acclaimed dramas and mysteries to comedies, documentaries, and lifestyle programming, BritBox invites audiences to step out of their everyday and into a world of exceptional British storytelling. Launched in 2017 and now owned by BBC Studios, BritBox is available in the US, Canada, Australia, and the Nordics. For more, visit britbox.com, or find the BritBox app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

About BBC Select
BBC Select is an ad-free, streaming service offering documentaries across history, travel, culture, true crime and more to audiences in the U.S. and Canada on Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV and The Roku Channel. BBC Select is owned and run by BBC Studios – creator, producer and distributor of unparalleled British content globally.

ENDS