MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide, which is the commercial arm of UK pubcaster The BBC has announced the appointment of Christine Leo-McKerrow as VP, TV channels in Asia.
In addition to, and complementing, her existing role working on the BBC/Discovery jointly owned channels in Asia, Leo-McKerrow will develop, implement and manage BBC Worldwide’s channels business in Asia.
She reports to BBC Worldwide MD global TV channels Darren Childs.
Childs said, "Christine's appointment is part of BBC Worldwide's Channels division strategy to establish resources in Asia, where we see numerous opportunities to expand our branded channels presence. Christine's track record launching branded channels into the region makes her the perfect candidate for this role."
Leo-McKerrow said, "I am looking forward to introducing more BBC Worldwide branded channels to Asia. This is a vital market, and I am delighted to be developing new channels and gaining maximum exposure for the BBC's superlative programme content."
Based in Singapore, her key relationships will be with Worldwide's regional teams who work across sales, new media, magazines and home entertainment. and the Channels' team and managers in London.
The BBC Worldwide Board recently identified the channels business as being one of the key areas for growth. General entertainment channels, BBC Prime, BBC America, BBC Japan and BBC Food, are wholly owned by BBC Worldwide.
Joint venture channels exist in the UK with Flextech Television (the UKTV channels), cross borders with Discovery Communications Inc (Animal Planet and People+Arts) in Canada with Alliance Atlantis (BBC Canada and BBC Kids), and in Australia with Foxtel and FremantelMedia (UK·TV). In 2004/2005 the business generated sales of ?140.6 million and a profit of ?4 million.