Kilcawley promoted to Director of UKTV Ventures
November 23, 2022
UKTV has promoted Brendan Kilcawley to Director of UKTV Ventures to lead the ‘Airtime for Equity’ investment fund after joining the fund in 2021 as Head of Commercial.
UKTV Ventures exchanges TV advertising inventory for minority equity stakes, alongside venture capital firms, in direct-to-consumer start-ups looking to build brands, acquire new customers and grow to the next level through the power of TV advertising. The fund comprises £8 million of premium advertising across its channel portfolio that the broadcaster invests annually in early-stage businesses.
Kilcawley will be responsible for developing and executing the pipeline of equity investments and managing UKTV Ventures’ portfolio of start-ups.
Sam Tewungwa, BBC Studios’ Chief Commercial Officer for the UK Region, commented: “Brendan’s track record, his relationship building skills, and the depth and breadth of his commercial experience make him the ideal person to head up the division. I am looking forward to the next chapter of our Ventures story under his leadership.”
Kilcawley added: “It’s a great time to head up UKTV Ventures with its exciting pipeline of potential investments and portfolio. I am looking forward to the challenges of growing the fund as we support a range of innovative businesses achieve stellar growth.”
Kilcawley joined UKTV Ventures in 2021 following five years as Head of Distribution for UKTV’s network of channel brands. During his tenure in Ventures Brendan has brokered a number of deals, including with the social media platform WeAre8 and with the plastic-free toiletries company KinKind.
Prior to working at UKTV, Kilcawley led distribution for BBC Studios channels across Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East, launching BBC Earth and CBeebies across the region.