Tim Davie moves to a new role at the BBC

Director of BBC Audio & Music Tim Davie is to replace John Smith as Chief Executive Officer of BBC Worldwide.

Tim will take up his new post from December 1st, leaving the position to run BBC Audio and Music up for grabs.

Tim Davie has been the BBC’s Director of Audio & Music since 2008, before which he was Director of the BBC’s Marketing, Communications & Audiences division from April 2005 and Vice President, Marketing and Franchise, PepsiCo Europe, where he managed business franchises across 10 international markets, as well as overseeing global brand marketing outside North America.

George Entwistle, new Director General at the BBC says: “Tim has done an excellent job leading the BBC Audio & Music division and has a fantastic vision for the opportunities that lie ahead for BBC Worldwide. Building on John’s success Tim will now take the BBC’s commercial arm into the next chapter of its development. I am delighted he will be joining the team at this crucial time.”

John Smith is leaving the corporation after eight years in his current role. He says: “It has been a huge privilege to lead this powerful business, owned by the BBC that does so much to supplement the licence fee income and takes the BBC brand to audiences around the world. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last eight years but I am excited to be moving on to new opportunities in the commercial world as our revenue and profits reach record highs.”

Tim Davie said: “BBC Worldwide is an outstanding business that plays a unique role in building the BBC’s global reputation and it is an honour to be asked to lead it. John’s legacy is a company with a strong performance record, leadership in digital and rising international creative exports. I look forward to leading BBC Worldwide through its next phase of growth, delivering further dividends to the BBC and championing great British content around the world.”

In Tim’s current role he has overall responsibility for BBC Radios 1, 2, 3, 4 and the BBC digital radio stations 1Xtra, 6Music, BBC 4Extra and the Asian Network, as well as overseeing the three BBC orchestras in England, the BBC Singers, the BBC Proms and leading the BBC’s music output on television and online.