MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide’s content and production business has appointed Ben Hall to the newly created role of head of creative.

Working alongside BBC Worldwide executive producer, international formats Gareth Williams, Hall will lead a newly recruited creative team charged with generating original format ideas for international exploitation and roll-out through the business’ increasing network of global production bases. He begins his new role with immediate effect. Hall’s appointment completes BBC Worldwide's revamped formats team in London.

The team’s aim is to raise revenues generated from BBC Worldwide’s format business by tapping into local demand and developing more original productions around the world. The team is already undertaking this through new partnerships between BBC Worldwide and independent producers in the UK, as well as partnerships and production bases internationally, such as the recently-announced Freehand partnership in Australia.

BBC director of formats Colin Jarvis said, "With this expanded and talented formats team, we are now better placed than ever to develop new formats that will find audiences globally. As one of the UK's leading creatives in the formats business, Ben brings a wealth of creative experience as to what works for audiences around the world, as well as a very good insight into how ideas turn into commercial hits."

Hall said, "BBC Worldwide's formats business is rapidly lining up to become a major global player so this is a very exciting time to take the creative helm. We have recruited a great team who love generating new ideas and we are looking forward to creating a new generation of hit formats that will work for audiences around the world."