Webb named BBCW non-executive chairman

The BBC has announced the appointment of Robert Webb QC as the new non-executive chairman of BBC Worldwide.

Webb will start the new role at some point this month, replacing Etienne de Villiers, who left the post yesterday.

Under the new arrangement, Webb will continue to act as non-executive director of the BBC, a position he has fulfilled since 2006, but will step down from the role of chairman of the BBC's Fair Trading committee.

"Robert Webb has been an extremely effective non-executive director of the BBC," said BBC director general Mark Thompson.

"His extensive corporate experience combined with his passion for the BBC make him ideally placed to work with John Smith and the BBC Worldwide board in steering BBC Worldwide through the next stage of its development as a company."

BBC Worldwide chief executive John Smith added: "Robert's experience at plc board level will be invaluable to BBC Worldwide. He is widely respected and a leader in his field.

"I am certain his commercial acumen will provide us with the necessary levels of support and challenge as we enter the next phase of our business strategy."

Also commenting on the announcement, Webb said: "BBC Worldwide has at its heart a mission to maximise the value of BBC intellectual property.

"It creates and promotes not only BBC content but other brands as well, saving the UK licence fee payer money and maximising their investment. The people who do this have a great reputation in the whole industry. I look forward to working with them."

The reshuffle of senior members at BBC Worldwide is part of a series of changes aimed at ensuring that the BBC's commercial arm is operated in the most trustworthy way.

Last month, it was announced that BBC director of Vision Jana Bennett will step down from her position on its board in order to negate any potential "conflicts of interest".