Rupert Gavin to leave BBC Worldwide

BBC Director-General Mark Thompson has announced that Rupert Gavin is to stand down from his role as CEO of its commercial subsidiary BBC Worldwide.
Mr Thompson said: "Rupert has taken Worldwide to record levels of success and the company is now a market leader in key areas both in the UK and globally.
"Under his leadership, the company has maximised the value of BBC assets, bringing benefit to licence payers, and has successfully grown the BBC name around the world.
"We thank him and wish him well."
Rupert Gavin, who joined the BBC from BT in 1998, said: "Putting BBC Worldwide on the map as one of the UK's truly global media players is something I'm very proud of.
"In the last seven years the Worldwide team have continued to hit targets, generating over £704 million for the BBC's public services.
"It has a strong future and it feels like the right time to make this move."
In the BBC's recently published Annual Report, Worldwide reported record cash flow of £141 million, an increase of 14%, which was reinvested in public service broadcasting.
In the last five years, the company's global media exports have risen by 96%.
A comprehensive review of all the BBC's commercial businesses, including Worldwide, is currently underway led by the BBC's Chief Operating Officer John Smith and due to report by the end of 2004.
Mr Smith will oversee Worldwide’s affairs for the immediate future.
Rupert Gavin will assist the BBC on handover issues until he leaves in October.
(GB)