New Business Development Boss For BBC Vision

Nick Betts has been announced as the head of commercial and business development in BBC Vision, reporting to Bal Samra, director of vision operation and rights.

In the newly created role, Betts will be repsonsible for all business development activity in BBC Vision, including leadership of the commercial agency.

He will also be responsible for growing external investment into the BBC public services and developing new business mondels in a fast changing marketplace.

Samra said: “This is an exciting new appointment for the BBC, Nick brings with him considerable experience as a senior leader within broadcasting.

“Nick absolutely understands how the BBC balances its public service needs with driving more inward commercial investment. He will bring real innovation to this new role.”

Betts said: “I am incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to do this new and challenging role at the BBC. As the BBC seeks to increase its commercial funding following the recent licence fee settlement, I’m looking forward to working across the Corporation to drive commercial strategy, maximise income from existing commercial sources and develop new revenue streams, particularly from its new media activities.”

Betts is currently managing director, NBC Universal Global Channels in the UK and Northern Europe. During his tenure, the sci-fi channel grew its audience by over 50% in the UK and the company announced two new channel launches in the Benelux region.

Previous to this role he was commercial Director at UKTV, which he joined in 1999. During the five years he worked at UKTV, its portfolio grew from four to ten channels. Prior to this, Betts was head of UK and Ireland television for BBC Worldwide.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk