Matthew Littleford has taken on the role of general manager for the global BBC iPlayer as the service extends to Australia.
Littleford will be responsible for editorial and day-to-day operation, marketing, promotion, product and technology, reporting directly to Jana Bennett, President Worldwide Channels and global BBC iPlayer.
Commented Bennett: “Matthew is the perfect choice to lead the global BBC iPlayer through its next journey as we move into the entertainment schedules of digital audiences around the world. With his passion for British television and previous experience running commercial and digital networks we are very lucky to have him managing the service during its pilot phase, as it evolves and becomes available in new markets.”
Littleford joined BBC Worldwide this year after three and a half years overseeing the UKTV portfolio of channels, including Dave, Really and Good Food.
The global BBC iPlayer app launched in Western Europe in July 2011. The app is currently available in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. It launches in Australia on Thursday 29th September 2011. More territories are due to launch later this year.
