BBC Studios’ Jon Penn, managing director for the Australia and New Zealand regions, has been appointed to helm the company’s newly formed Asia-Pacific business as executive vice president.

APAC, a merger of BBC Studios’ Asia, Australia and New Zealand regions, comprises the studio’s international sales and distribution business.

The move follows the departure of Myleeta Aga, acting EVP for Asia, and the amalgamation of BBC Studios’ international sales and distribution business, encompassing content sales, branded services and ancillaries, into a single, global distribution group under Paul Dempsey, president of global distribution.

Penn (pictured) will continue to report to Dempsey in his expanded role.

Prior to his tenure at BBC Studios, the commercial arm of UK pubcaster BBC, Penn (pictured) was CEO Asia-Pacific for Fremantle’s international distribution division.

“Jon’s ability and experience makes him ideally suited to extend his remit across our successful Asia business,” said Dempsey in a statement. “He has overseen an impressive growth story in Australia and New Zealand and this is a great opportunity to bring our fast growing Asia business into a formidable APAC region.”

“We will continue to bring the very best of the BBC’s world-class content to customers throughout Asia Pacific,” added Penn.