Scannell to run BBC Worldwide America

BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the British public broadcaster, has hired former MTV boss Herb Scannell as president, BBC Worldwide America.

Scannell was formerly president of Nickelodeon Networks and vice chairman of MTV Networks and most recently founder of online video site Next New Networks. He will replace Garth Ancier, who announced his departure from the US arm of the company, but will remain on the board.

Scannell will be in charge of the cable network BBC America as well as BBC Worldwide Productions where he will work alongside Jane Tranter and global managing director of content and production Wayne Garvie.

BBC Worldwide CEO John Smith said: “Herb has a tremendous track record of success in developing and extending innovative brands across multiple platforms, which is precisely the experience needed to help build the next phase for BBC Worldwide in the US.”