BBC Studios has brought its international sales and distribution business, encompassing content sales, branded services and ancillaries, together into a single global distribution group headed by Paul Dempsey.
He will take the role of president, Global Distribution and relocate to New York, where he will have responsibility for BBC Studios’ overall sales and distribution strategy, key customer management and the company’s international channels and services.
BBC Studios’ successor to Ann Sarnoff as president of Americas, currently being recruited, will join the MD of Australia & New Zealand, and the EVPs of Asia, Western Europe and CEMA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa) in reporting to Dempsey. As now, the regional leads will have accountability for their respective regions, with Dempsey assuming overall accountability for the strategy for the expanded operation.
Commenting on the changes, which will come into effect on September 1, Tim Davie, CEO, BBC Studios, said: “Bringing together our international regions, while maintaining a strong regional focus, continues the evolution of our global distribution business and particularly the way we serve major customers. We are fortunate to have someone of Paul’s immense experience to take this important role.”
Paul Dempsey added: ”Having visibility across all our customer relationships and international distribution activity will make us more joined up and effective both globally and regionally”.
Dempsey joined BBC Worldwide in 1998 and has held a number of senior positions including interim CEO, MD, Consumer Products and director Audio & Music.
