BBC Studios ups Carras to head Australia, NZ branded services team in reshuffle

BBC Studios (BBCS) has appointed Chrissie Carras as head of branded services in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) following the departure of Tim Christlieb.

Chrissie Carras

Carras will lead BBCS branded channels and programme offerings in the territory as Christlieb returns to work for BBCS in the UK.

The BBCS business in Australia and New Zealand wholly owns seven channels: BBC First, BBC UKTV, BBC Earth, CBeebies, BBC Brit, BBC Kids and BBC Living.

In addition to overseeing programming, presentation, media planning, advertising and brand partnerships for these channels, Carras will also be responsible for the BBCS branded services marketing team.

Carras joined BBCS in 2010 and has held various roles in the branded services unit, working across marketing, programming, presentation and advertising sales, most recently as head of programming and advertising sales.

Carras has been responsible for the launch of BBC Earth in Australia and New Zealand, and BBC Brit, BBC Living and BBC Kids on Fetch and CBeebies on Sky TV in New Zealand, together with various pop-up channels.

The new structure will see Calum Hemphill promoted to head of network planning, leading a new unit responsible for all network media inventory including advertising and brand partnership opportunities.

Hemphill will report to Carras, who will continue to work with Lottie Wilson, head of acquisitions. Both Carras and Wilson become part of Fiona Lang’s senior leadership team.

Other recent changes have seen Kate O’Connor promoted to head of licensing and brands at BBC Studios ANZ, overseeing all aspects of brand expansion for Bluey and other BBC Studios IP including BBC Earth, Doctor Who and Top Gear in the territory.

Lang, general manager at BBC Studios ANZ, said: “In Chrissie we have someone with an unparalleled knowledge and passion for the best British TV content and an astute understanding of what works for our audiences, advertisers and platform partners. She has been an integral part of BBCS team for over 10 years and is perfectly placed to lead our enhanced team to make the most of opportunities as the business evolves.”

Carras said: “The BBC is a brand that resonates around the world as producing and broadcasting the best of British television and I look forward to continuing to drive our local network of channels, on-demand offerings, brand propositions and advertising and sponsorship opportunities in a rapidly changing environment.”