Paul Dempsey appointed BBC Worldwide interim CEO

MUMBAI: Scandal-hit British pubcaster BBC has appointed Paul Dempsey as the interim Chief Executive Officer of BBC Worldwide from December until incoming CEO Tim Davie?s arrival next year.

Paul, currently Managing Director for Consumer Products at BBC Worldwide, will oversee the BBC?s commercial arm from December 1 until Tim Davie hands over his duties as Acting Director-General to Director-General Designate Tony Hall in March.

BBC Worldwide?s current CEO John Smith announced his decision to step down after eight years in charge of the company last month and will leave the business in December.

The appointment was made by Tim Davie as Acting Director-General.

Paul Dempsey said, "I am proud and privileged to have been asked by Tim to take on these responsibilities as an interim measure until he arrives early next year. BBC Worldwide is a dynamic company with exciting times ahead of it. My immediate priority will be to provide the company with leadership and direction so it can keep on delivering great returns to the BBC."

Tim Davie said, "Paul has a great track record at BBC Worldwide and a sound understanding of the commercial imperatives that have made it an international success. I have every faith that he is the right person to lead BBC Worldwide over the coming months and make sure it carries on supporting the BBC brand around the world."

In his current role, Paul oversees Consumer Products, a global producer and distributor of TV entertainment packaged media, including DVD, Blu-ray, DTO, licensed product, music, BBC Shop and book publishing partnerships.

Paul joined BBC Worldwide in 1998 as UK Sales Director and became Managing Director of BBC Audio books in 2002. He was appointed Director of BBC Worldwide?s Audio & Music business when it was established in 2006. Prior to joining BBC Worldwide, Paul?s background in sales and marketing included eight years at Mars Confectionery followed by two years as Sales Director of Frontline Ltd, BBC Worldwide?s magazine joint venture business.

As a result of the move, Marcus Arthur, Managing Director for Global Brands, will take over Paul?s current responsibilities as Acting Managing Director for Consumer Products, in addition to his current role.

The BBC has been battling allegations of sex-scandal surrounding Jimmy Savile, the late BBC television star now alleged to have been a prolific child sex offender. The scandal saw the resignation of BBC?s Director General George Entwistle in the wake of Newsnight report on North Wales child abuse. The report wrongly implicated a politician in child sex abuse.