BBC Worldwide Chairman Steps Down

LONDON: Etienne de Villiers is stepping down as the chairman and non-executive director of BBC Worldwide, effective September 30.

De Villiers took up the role in 2006 with the mandate of overseeing the expansion of the British pubcaster’s commercial operations. "Under Etienne’s stewardship, BBC Worldwide has significantly grown both revenues and profits," said Mark Thompson, the BBC’s director general. "The business has expanded internationally and is recognised around the world as a trusted media brand. His strategic counsel has played an important part in that achievement, which directly benefits U.K. licence fee payers because of the way in which Worldwide’s profits are fed back into the BBC’s public services."

De Villiers, a former president of  Walt Disney Television International, will continue to consult for BBC Worldwide during the transition to the new chairman.