BBC Improves Its Vision With Key Appointments

Jana Bennett, Director of the newly created BBC Vision, has announced the latest in a series of senior appointments to the new group.
Glenwyn Benson, currently Controller, Factual Television, BBC, will be Controller, Knowledge, with overall executive responsibility for delivering Knowledge (including Learning), driving the use of the full range of multimedia possibilities.
Emma Swain, currently Commissioning Editor, Science, History and Natural History, will be Head of Multimedia Knowledge Commissioning, and Deputy Controller, Knowledge, reporting to Glenwyn.
Announcing the latest series of appointments, Bennett commented: "The appointments of Glenwyn and Emma, who both have outstanding track records in factual programme-making and commissioning, are very significant for the BBC.
"The delivery of programmes and content on Knowledge is one of the most important missions for the BBC as we seek to deliver our vision as set out in Creative Future.
"Glenwyn will be the chief architect of the BBC's Knowledge building mission as we enter the new Charter period, while Emma will ensure that our award-winning slates maintain momentum as we develop 360 degree commissioning."
Commissioners will retain responsibility for making commissioning decisions, as now, and Swain will retain responsibility for Science, History and Natural History.
She will be working with the commissioners to ensure the commissioning team develop their new multimedia brief to meet the demand for 360 degree commissioning.
Also announced today are three further senior appointments.
Lesley Swarbrick will be Head of Human Resources and Development for BBC Vision. Swarbrick is currently Head of HR and Development Manager for BBC Television. She will lead the HR team across BBC Vision to develop its capability in a changing world.
Ian Critchley, currently Head of Human Resources and Development, BBC Drama, Entertainment and Children's, will be Head of Production Talent, BBC Vision.
Ian will join Swarbrick's team and work closely with Peter Salmon, Chief Creative Officer, BBC Vision. He will ensure a strategic approach to talent management within the group, and will offer insight and ideas on talent issues.
Helen Kellie, currently Head of Brand and Planning, BBC, will be Head of Marketing, Communications and Audiences, BBC Vision.
Helen will be responsible for a team of 108 professional marketing and communications staff responsible for the marketing and promotion of programmes, content and services produced by the group.
Bennett added: "I am delighted to have been able to attract such an impressive list of talent to join the team who will build BBC Vision."
(DS/SP)