BBC Worldwide appoints new EMEA strategy chief

BBC Worldwide has appointed Endemol's Joerg Bachmaier as regional executive vice-president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as part of a strategy by the corporation's commercial arm to drive international growth.

Bachmaier will be responsible for overseeing strategic development for Worldwide in EMEA (excluding the UK), delivering new brands, products and services to drive up revenues.

His appointment follows the announcement last week that Fred Medina has become the executive vice president for Latin America. A similar role is being created by Worldwide for Asia, in addition to existing positions covering North America and Australasia.

Bachmaier joins Worldwide from Big Brother maker Endemol Group, where he is currently general manager for the Americas for Endemol Worldwide Brands.

He will officially start the new role at Worldwide in November, reporting to the organisation's managing director of consumer products (EMEA) Paul Dempsey.

"I believe we have a significant opportunity to grow our business across EMEA - the creation of this new senior role will give us the focus to drive this opportunity through collaboration across existing and new business initiatives," said Dempsey.

"Joerg is a well-respected and experienced senior executive who will spearhead our growth plans at the heart of the region. I look forward to welcoming him in November."

Bachmaier added: "My years in Los Angeles taught me to develop high-quality content cost-efficiently, follow a more consumer-oriented approach and create innovative transmedia franchises which allow experiences and creativity to travel seamlessly across all screens. I am thrilled to bring my experience back to Europe and to have found such a great new home with BBC Worldwide."

BBC Worldwide reported record underlying profits of £160.2 million in the year to March 30, buoyed by the continuing popularity of brands such as Top Gear and Doctor Who.

In July, BBC Worldwide launched a global version of catch-up TV platform BBC iPlayer in 11 countries across Western Europe, with the US, Canada and Australia to follow later in the year.