John Smith to Step Down at BBC Worldwide, Tim Davie Named Successor

LONDON: After serving as the CEO of BBC Worldwide for eight years, John Smith has announced that he is exiting the post, which Tim Davie, the current director of BBC Audio & Music, will take over.

Smith told staff that he is leaving to "pursue new opportunities" in the commercial sector. Starting December 1, Davie will take on the role of CEO.

George Entwistle, BBC’s director-general, said: “I want to thank John for his enormous contribution to the success of BBC Worldwide in recent years. He has turned the company into a truly global phenomenon delivering a fantastic financial injection into the BBC every year. He leaves the company ideally set up for the future challenges it faces in a digital world.”

Entwistle added: “Tim has done an excellent job leading the BBC Audio & Music division and has a fantastic vision for the opportunities that lie ahead for BBC Worldwide. Building on John’s success Tim will now take the BBC’s commercial arm into the next chapter of its development. I am delighted he will be joining the team at this crucial time.”

Smith commented: “It has been a huge privilege to lead this powerful business, owned by the BBC that does so much to supplement the licence fee income and takes the BBC brand to audiences around the world. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last eight years but I am excited to be moving on to new opportunities in the commercial world as our revenue and profits reach record highs.”

Davie said: “BBC Worldwide is an outstanding business that plays a unique role in building the BBC’s global reputation and it is an honor to be asked to lead it. John’s legacy is a company with a strong performance record, leadership in digital and rising international creative exports. I look forward to leading BBC Worldwide through its next phase of growth, delivering further dividends to the BBC and championing great British content around the world.”