BBC Worldwide hires McDonough for key commercial role

by Tristan O'Carroll, Media Week 28-Oct-08, 12:25

LONDON - BBC Worldwide Channels has hired Ian McDonough as vice-president for commercial development, EMEA.

Reporting to Dean Possenniskie, senior vice-president and general manager, BBC Worldwide Channels EMEA, McDonough will be responsible for increasing revenue and subscription for its channels - BBC Entertainment, BBC HD, BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies, and BBC World News.

His role will involve developing sales for the channels in key markets across EMEA and negotiating distribution deals.

McDonough joins BBC Worldwide from The History Channel UK. As commercial director, he led the launch of The History Channel and The History Channel HD.

Possenniskie said: "Ian brings to the role a broad range of channel launch experience across distribution, ad sales and digital media, and will be invaluable in creating new commercial relationships and building on existing ones."