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BBC Studios taps general counsel Martyn Freeman as new COO in push for growth

UK pubcaster the BBC’s commercial arm, BBC Studios, has named Martyn Freeman as its new chief operating officer (COO).

Martyn Freeman

Freeman, who has been general counsel at BBC Studios since it formed in 2018, currently oversees the company’s business and legal affairs, global operations, compliance and risk. With his appointment as COO, his remit will expand to take oversight of technology, transformation and property.

He will also be responsible for leading global business functions including the negotiation of major acquisitions and partnerships, regulatory compliance in several international jurisdictions and BBC Studios’ technology strategy.

The appointment was made by Tom Fussell, who was confirmed as BBC Studios’ permanent CEO two months ago after holding the position on an interim basis since July 2020.

In a statement, Fussell said: “This is a critical role for BBC Studios’ future and I am delighted that Martyn has agreed to take on the additional responsibility. He has overseen BBC Studios’ operational response to the pandemic, bringing his trademark calm and focus to a challenging set of circumstances for the business and its staff and ensuring that everyone has had the support they need to do their jobs.”

Freeman’s appointment comes as BBC Studios looks to increase its revenues. The pubcaster’s commercial arm has committed to growing its returns to the BBC by at least 30% over the next five years.

“In overseeing our operational strategy, Martyn will underpin our plans for success, by enabling teams to continue to focus on expanding our audiences and revenue,” added Fussell.

Before his role with BBC Studios, Freeman was general counsel at its predecessor, BBC Worldwide, from 2011. He was part of the team that moved across from BBC Worldwide to BBC Studios in early 2018.

Prior to that he was head of BBC Worldwide’s legal and business affairs teams, where he oversaw the creation of partnerships such as BBC Books and 2entertain, the restructuring of its joint venture with Discovery and the financing and production of BBC Worldwide’s slate of natural history feature films.

“This is a significant time for the company and I am excited to take on the expanded role,” said Freeman.

“We are driving through plans to realise new digital revenue streams, we have a new CEO at the helm and we have committed to ambitious goals to increase our returns to the BBC group for the next five-year period. I look forward to playing a key role in our continued success.”

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