Freeview appoints new marketing director

Freeview has today announced the appointment of former BBC Worldwide executive Guy North as its new marketing communications director.

In his new role, North will be responsible for leading all integrated marketing campaigns for the digital terrestrial television platform, as well as shaping marketing strategy for products such as Freeview+ and Freeview HD.

Freeview said that North will focus on defining the company's brand position to "deepen viewer engagement" and "build on Freeview's successful British heritage". He replaces Sue Leach, who is leaving Freeview for family reasons.

Officially joining on June 27, North will report to Freeview managing director Ilse Howling and work closely with operations director Gill Hind and strategy director Liz Reynolds.

He started his marketing career at drinks giant Bass Brewers, before spending a decade in various senior marketing roles at the BBC, including digital channels, Sport and BBC Vision. His final 18 months was at commercial arm BBC Worldwide, where he helped to develop the Top Gear, Doctor Who and Dancing with the Stars franchises around the world.

North joins Freeview from Victim Support, where he was executive director of marketing overseeing all communications and fundraising activity for the charity.

Howling said: "I'm delighted to have Guy on board. His wide-ranging industry experience will be invaluable as Freeview continues to find new ways to engage with viewers about the most watched content and best-loved features it has to offer.

"Guy will play an important role in developing the relationship between viewers and the Freeview brand for post-switchover era and to ensure our mass market proposition remains dynamic and competitive in a connected world."

North added: "I am really looking forward to joining Freeview at such a pivotal time for the brand, with digital switchover nearing completion and connected TV becoming a reality.

"I will relish the opportunity to build on Freeview's position as the UK's No. 1 TV platform and making it a brand that consumers actively choose and engage with."

North's first task at Freeview will be to lead the selection of a new creative agency, with Leo Burnett, The Red Brick Road and Wieden + Kennedy all pitching for the £18m account next month.

Meanwhile, the BBC has started promoting next month's launch of BBC Alba on Freeview in Scotland, after the Gaelic-language channel became available on Virgin Media last week.