BBC America Appoints VP of Multiplatform Programming

LONDON: BBC Worldwide Channels has announced that John Taite is to take on the role of VP of multiplatform programming at BBC America.

Taite is tasked with developing BBC Worldwide’s editorial strategy in the U.S. on branded digital platforms, future genre channel launches and other programming initiatives. Taite joined BBC Worldwide in 2007 as VP of programming for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He takes up his new post this month and will report to BBC America’s COO for channels, Chris Carr, and senior VP of programming, Richard De Croce.

Dean Possenniskie, the general manager and senior VP for EMEA at BBC Worldwide Channels, said, “As a key member of my senior management team, John’s contribution to building BBC Worldwide’s channels business in EMEA has been considerable. From launch to growth phase, his instinct for great content, understanding of the BBC brand and connection with local audiences has delivered unprecedented success across the region. I, along with his team and the rest of the EMEA business, will miss him greatly but we also share his excitement for the great opportunity in America.”

The search for a replacement VP of programming for EMEA is now under way and Possenniskie has begun expanding the programming team by recruiting three new heads of scheduling for Poland, Africa and the Nordic region.