BBC Worldwide has hired former WB network chief Garth Ancier to lead its American operations.

Ancier will oversee a newly-restructured and unified BBC presence in the USA. Currently on BBC Worldwide's American agenda are items ranging from the development of UK shows for domestic US networks, building on the successes of Dancing with the Stars (Strictly Come Dancing) and Grease: You're The One That I Want (How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?), to the launch of US versions of CBeebies and BBC HD.

Based in New York, Ancier - who has previously held top positions at NBC and Fox in addition to his tenure at The WB, and also has news experience from a spell at CNN's US network - will take up the newly-created role of president, BBC Worldwide Americas.