BBC Worldwide names interim CEO

BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the UK public broadcaster, has announced that Paul Dempsey will be employed as interim chief executive officer from December until incoming CEO Tim Davie’s arrival next year.

Dempsey joined BBC Worldwide in 1998 as UK sales director and is currently managing director for consumer products. He will oversee BBC Worldwide from December 1 until Davie steps down as acting director-general, to be replaced by Tony Hall, in March.

BBC Worldwide’s current CEO John Smith is stepping down after eight years in charge of the company in December.
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.”

Following the move, Marcus Arthur, managing director for global brands, will take over Dempsey’s current responsibilities as acting managing director for consumer products, in addition to his current role.