BBC Studios recruits a global head of acquisitions 

Karin Marelle (pictured), a former Starz/Lionsgate acquisitions exec, has joined BBC Studios and as global head of acquisitions. She will oversee sourcing content for BBC Studios’ global channels (including UKTV) and its SVODs in the UK, EMEA and APAC. Marelle has more than 20 years of experience working in acquisitions and co-productions, including stints at AMC Networks, ITV and BBC Worldwide. When she starts in her new role on February 17, she’ll get to work on developing a content and presale strategy.

Claire’s taps a seasoned chief brand officer help to right the ship 

Tween/teen accessories retailer Claire’s has hired Michelle Goad as its new chief brand officer. She’ll focus on driving a comeback and transforming the chain’s stores into experiential destinations for the Gen Alpha demographic. This is Claire’s first C-suite hire since private equity firm Ames Watson purchased most of its North American business in August for US$140 million, following years of struggle. Goad’s career experience is all in brand-building, and especially reaching younger consumers on digital platforms. She previously worked at Nike as the GM of NbG (a shopping app for Gen Z girls).

Claire’s has roughly 800 stores in North America, but it wants to expand. And Goad sees plenty of potential for that: “While the business lost its way over the years, its impact on girlhood remains untested, and [it’s] an incredible honor to re-imagine what Claire’s must look like, feel like and can create together with Gen Alpha,” she said in a LinkedIn post on Tuesday.