John Smith to step down as CEO of BBC Worldwide, with Tim Davie announced as successor
The BBC has today announced that John Smith, CEO of BBC Worldwide, is set to step down from his job after eight years to ‘pursue new opportunities in the commercial sector’.
Smith said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead this powerful business, owned by the BBC that does so much to supplement the licence fee income and takes the BBC brand to audiences around the world. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last eight years but I am excited to be moving on to new opportunities in the commercial world as our revenue and profits reach record highs.”
Smith will be replaced by Tim Davie, currently director of BBC Audio & Music, from 1 December.
George Entwistle, BBC Director-General, said: “I want to thank John for his enormous contribution to the success of BBC Worldwide in recent years. He has turned the company into a truly global phenomenon delivering a fantastic financial injection into the BBC every year. He leaves the company ideally set up for the future challenges it faces in a digital world.
“Tim has done an excellent job leading the BBC Audio & Music division and has a fantastic vision for the opportunities that lie ahead for BBC Worldwide. Building on John’s success Tim will now take the BBC’s commercial arm into the next chapter of its development. I am delighted he will be joining the team at this crucial time.”