BBC confirms Bennett move to Worldwide

The BBC has confirmed that Jana Bennett has quit her role overseeing the UK public broadcaster’s channels to join commercial arm BBC Worldwide (BBCWW).

The BBC Vision director will taking on the new role of BBCWW president of worldwide networks and global iPlayer.

She will take up the post in February and will have responsibility for BBCWW’s wholly owned BBC-branded channels – which include BBC Entertainment, BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle and Cbeebies – and for BBCWW’s 50% stake in UK channels network UKTV.

Bennett will also be responsible for the global iPlayer, which is due to launch in the first half of 2011, rolling out on the Apple iPad initially.

BBCWW CEO John Smith said he had “long harboured a wish” to bring Bennett over to the BBC’s commercial wing.

“Jana’s track record in commissioning and producing world-class content across the whole spectrum of genres is second to none,” he said.

Smith added that she was taking on a role where “her editorial skills, her understanding of what the BBC means, and her knowledge of launching and running successful channels will be harnessed globally.”

“We have launched 26 channels over the last four years, and have high ambitions for them,” Smith said. “They are a primary focus of investment and a key means of showcasing quality British content to consumers around the world. Jana will drive them to the next level on every front – reach, ratings, revenue and editorial excellence.

“In digital services, Jana’s contribution to the launch and ongoing success of the UK iPlayer, and her oversight of the launch of the BBC’s red button service, along with her programming expertise, qualify her perfectly to lead the global iPlayer.”

BBC director-general Mark Thompson wished Bennett well in her new role, adding that “her understanding of what makes great television and what audiences want has led to a sustained period of creative success” for the BBC channels.

There is no word yet on a replacement for Bennett’s role at BBC Vision. However, among those who could be in line to replace her, the most likely internal candidate is director of archive content Roly Keating, with controller of Knowledge commissioning George Entwistle and BBC North director Peter Salmon also possibilities.

Outside of the BBC, contenders could include Nutopia founder Jane Root and former TalkbackThames CEO Lorraine Heggessey, although both were linked to roles at Channel 4 and ITV earlier this year but remained in situ.

In a statement, Bennett said: “I have had an incredible time during my eight years as director of BBC Television and then director of BBC Vision. The sheer variety and pace of life in the role has been breathtaking but I go knowing that BBC Vision is in great shape.

“For me, however, I am looking forward to an amazing opportunity in an international role at BBCWW, where I hope to grow the reputation of the BBC around the world still further.”