Jon Penn, the new Managing Director for BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand (ANZ), has made some strategic changes to key roles in his senior team, to prepare the company for growth in the territory.

Deirdre Brennan is to become the Director of Content, taking responsibility for content management and development in the region, overseeing format production, drama investment and the editorial delivery of the ANZ channels. Blair McQuade has taken on the new role of Chief Commercial Officer and will oversee Strategy and Corporate Development, Finance and Operations. McQuade will also manage the TV Sales business distributing programming to FTA, STV and digital platforms. Irene Read has been promoted to Head of Sales at BBC Worldwide ANZ, leading the team that licences all TV programming and news in Australia and New Zealand on a daily basis, reporting to McQuade.  Rob Leach will become Digital & Business Development Director with an expanded remit overseeing commercial digital, brand licensing and new business lines.  Leach is also responsible for BBC World News and the relationship with MCN.

Completing the Executive Leadership Team for BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand are Melissa Madden, Director of Brands & Marketing; Laura Dumbrell, Head of Communications; Fiona Lang, Head of Business and Legal Affairs; and Ian Posthumus, Head of HR.

“As BBC Worldwide looks to grow its business outside the UK, placing more autonomy in this territory’s hands, there is a fantastic opportunity for growth.  I am confident that I have put the best team and structure in place to deliver this growth in the areas that have the most potential – content, brands and digital – with a strong strategic and visionary team behind it.” said Penn.