NTSC USER

BBC Worldwide has hired former Viacom executive Herb Scannell to run its commercial operation in America.

Scannell was previously president of the Viacom-owned Nickelodeon Networks, as well as being vice-chairman of MTV Networks.

Effective immediately, he has become president of BBC Worldwide America and will sit on the executive board of the BBC's commercial arm.

Scannell fills the void left by Garth Ancier, who quit BBC Worldwide America in March after three years in charge of the business.

In his new role, Scannell will take responsibility for the BBC America channel, which reaches around 67 million homes in the US, along with BBC America HD and Worldwide's US production operation.

His remit will also cover the BBC's online operation in America and all US sales of BBC programming, formats, DVDs and merchandising.

In a statement, Scannell described the BBC as a "world renowned brand with a great portfolio of businesses in the US that have tremendous prospects".