Dempsey to cover for Davie at Worldwide

The current Managing Director for Consumer Products at BBC Worldwide, Paul Dempsey, will cover for Tim Davie as CEO of BBC Worldwide will next March.

Tim Davie, who is currently Acting Director General until Tony Hall takes over in March, was due to take up the position earlier this month before the DG resigned.

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.

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 Audiobooks 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.

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.”

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.