BBC Advertising, part of BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), is boosting its ad sales team in Asia to make the most of growth opportunities in the region.

In response to a strong growth forecast in advertising revenue in  Asia-Pacific  and combined with a global ad sales strategy to get closer to customers and identify Katy Xu will take on the role of Vice President, Greater China & North Asia new cross-platform opportunities, two new roles have been created within the Asia leadership team. The decision reflects the desire to build on existing success of BBC Advertising in Asia and a commitment to investment in this growth region, with a focus on key priority markets of China, Korea, Japan, India and fast-track SE Asia.

John Williams has been appointed Vice President, ASEAN & India, and will be based in Singapore. Katy Xu will take on the role of Vice President, Greater China & North Asia, located in Hong Kong. Both started their new roles on September 1 and will report directly into Sunita Rajan, EVP Advertising Sales, Asia, BBC Worldwide.

John has relocated to Asia from New York, where he was previously VP, International Advertising for BBC Worldwide North America.  Katy, currently Regional Director, Hong Kong & Greater China, takes on an expanded role with responsibility for more markets.

Sunita Rajan said, “With their knowledge and valuable experience in operating across both mature and emerging markets, John and Katy will lead our region to further growth. I am looking forward to working with them to drive the strategic direction and new business across Asia-Pacific.”

John Williams said, “I am excited about this opportunity to work in one of the most exciting regions in the world with a new team eager for continued success, representing a suite of BBC products that are both in demand by audiences and advertisers alike.”

Katy Xu said, “BBC is already a successful brand in countries across Asia and I am looking forward to building partnerships in new and existing markets to take our ad sales business to the next level.”