Jana Bennett, President of Worldwide Networks and the Global BBC iPlayer, has decided to leave BBC Worldwide in late autumn following implementation of a major reorganisation of the company, as BBC Worldwide
reconfigures the business from divisional to geographic lines. As a result, P&L ownership will move from the existing global divisions to a number of market and country facing business units.

Jana said: “My time at BBC Worldwide has been exciting and stimulating.  I am delighted to have grown the BBC’s international channel portfolio at a time when global markets are so highly competitive and to have brought quality British programmes and events to new audiences around the world both through our worldwide networks and the Global BBC iPlayer pilot.

“Today’s announcement about the new organisation of BBC Worldwide, with regions in future holding P&L responsibility, is an important step in securing the future growth of BBC Worldwide enabling it to compete more effectively in the global market and deliver increasing returns to the BBC. I was pleased to have played a significant role in the organisational design process and fully support the changes under John Smith’s leadership.  However with the move of P&L responsibility under the new structure I feel this is a good moment for me to work outside BBC Worldwide.”

Since becoming President of Worldwide Networks, Jana has overseen the channels business, which is the biggest revenue generator for BBC Worldwide and will report further strong growth for the year just ended. She has overseen the introduction of 13 channel services, from New Zealand to Thailand, as well as the launch of channels into new markets for the first time, including Brazil and Taiwan.  She has pioneered global programming events across BBC Worldwide’s own channels, with broadcasts such as the Royal Wedding, Sport Relief, as well as the London Calling season (timed to coincide with Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics), playing out across four continents simultaneously.

Jana, is responsible for BBC Worldwide’s 33 owned and operated thematic channels across 100 countries in EMEA, Australasia, Asia and Latin America. Jana is also responsible for the Global BBC iPlayer which
launched as a pilot in July 2011 and is now in 16 countries.  She also has financial responsibility for BBC Worldwide’s 50% interest in UKTV, the owner of 10 branded channels in the UK; and executive responsibility for BBC Worldwide’s business development strategy across all its business in Latin America.

Jana will remain with BBC Worldwide until late autumn, in order to effect a full handover of her responsibilities and to complete a number of major commercial deals that John Smith, BBC Worldwide CEO, has asked her to oversee.