BBC Factual Chief Steps Down

LONDON, July 5: John Willis is stepping down as the director
of factual and learning at the BBC after a three-year stint with the public
broadcaster.

Willis’s tenure saw the BBC release titles such as Planet
Earth and The Secret Policemen. His exit comes in advance of a pending restructure
at the organization. Director-general Mark Thompson noted, "We talked
about various roles for John as we begin to implement Creative Future but he
has decided to take the opportunity to retire from the BBC and pursue other
avenues. We all wish him the very best."

Willis said in a statement, "Now that the organization
is also planning a BBC-wide restructure, I believe this is the right time for
me to retire from the BBC, although certainly not from broadcasting.”