Shaftesbury has made its first U.K.-based hire, bringing on former UKTV exec Alexandra Finlay in the newly created role of senior director, creative and coproductions.

Based in London, Finlay will be responsible for expanding the prodco’s current relationships with international partners and help to build new copro opportunities. She’ll report directly to Shaftesbury chairman and CEO Christina Jennings.

Finlay is the former head of acquisitions and coproductions at UKTV, where she implemented strategies to grow the network’s IP slate and developed key relationships with U.S. studios to acquire series such as Suits, Castle, Grimm and Rizzoli & Isles. Finlay, who got her start as a production assistant at BBC, has also served as editor, feature films at Channel 4, and managed acquisitions for short films at C4’s Shooting Gallery and Film4 Channel.

UKTV is a broadcast partner on long-running Shaftesbury hit Murdoch Mysteries and Frankie Drake Mysteries. Both series were recently renewed by CBC for seasons 13 and three, respectively.

The new London-based role will help Shaftesbury work more closely with U.K. and European-based partners as the prodco extends its focus on international coproductions, according to Jennings, who says Finlay’s experience in acquisitions and programming are key assets for Shaftesbury moving forward.

Shaftesbury’s current copro slate includes Departure, which it produces alongside Greenpoint Productions in association with Red Arrow Studios International. Starring Christopher Plummer and Archie Panjabi, the series is set to debut on Global later this year.