BBC Studios Names Chief Operating Officer

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BBC Studios has tapped Martyn Freeman, currently the company’s general counsel, as its new COO.

Freeman has been overseeing the company’s business and legal affairs, global operations, compliance and risk. This new appointment will see him extend his portfolio to take on responsibility for technology, transformation and property. As COO, Freeman will be responsible for leading a number of global business functions, including the negotiation of major acquisitions and partnerships, regulatory compliance in multiple international jurisdictions and the company’s technology strategy.

Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios, said: “This is a critical role for BBC Studios’ future and I am delighted that Martyn has agreed to take on the additional responsibility. He has overseen BBC Studios’ operational response to the pandemic, bringing his trademark calm and focus to a challenging set of circumstances for the business and its staff and ensuring that everyone has had the support they need to do their jobs. As the BBC’s commercial arm, we have recently committed to growing our returns to the BBC Group by at least 30 percent over the next five years and are also working to secure our contribution beyond that for the longer term. In overseeing our operational strategy, Martyn will underpin our plans for success by enabling teams to continue to focus on expanding our audiences and revenue.”

Freeman added: “This is a significant time for the company and I am excited to take on the expanded role. We are driving through plans to realize new digital revenue streams, we have a new CEO at the helm and we have committed to ambitious goals to increase our returns to the BBC Group for the next five-year period. I look forward to playing a key role in our continued success.”