BBC Worldwide appoints Saul Venit replacement

BBC Worldwide has named Jonathan Mills director of business and legal affairs, filling the role vacated by Saul Venit.

Venit left the commercial arm of the UK public broadcaster last year to become COO at Worldwide-backed UK prodco Lookout Point (Parade’s End).

Worldwide said it had carried out a competitive recruitment process before selecting Mills, who has been filling the role since Venit’s departure.

In the permanent role he will oversee the teams working on rights agreements, indie producer relationships and negotiations with key talent.

Mills reports to Martyn Freeman, BBC Worldwide’s general counsel. A qualified lawyer, he has been at Worldwide since 2008. He has also worked at UK commercial broadcaster ITV.

Freeman said: “As BBC Worldwide increases the range and diversity of its indie partnerships, leverages its existing and fledgling global brands, and supports BBC Production during its transition, I’m thrilled that someone as experienced as Jonathan will play such a key part in the senior team.”