BBC Worldwide Channels appoints GM of EMEA

BBC Worldwide Channels has announced the appointment of Ian McDonough as SVP and GM of EMEA. McDonough, who was formerly VP commercial development, is taking over for outgoing head of EMEA, Dean Possenniskie, effective immediately. In his new role, McDonough will manage the existing portfolio of localized BBC channels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (such as BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies), while looking for opportunities to launch new channels. McDonough joined BBC Worldwide in January 2009 as VP commercial development where he was responsible for growing revenue and subscription figures for the company's thematic channel portfolio, as well as BBC World News.