BBC appoints global iPlayer MD

Former UKTV boss Matthew Littleford has been promoted to general manager, global BBC iPlayer after joining BBC Worldwide earlier this year.

Littleford joined the commercial arm of the British public broadcaster in April 2011 as creative director for the commercial and international video-on-demand service, which launched in 11 western European countries in July and in Australia yesterday. He will be responsible for the editorial and day-to-day operations and technology of the service and reports to Jana Bennett, president, worldwide channels and global BBC iPlayer.

“Matthew is the perfect choice to lead the global BBC iPlayer  through its next journey as we move into the entertainment schedules of digital  audiences around the world.  With his passion for British television and previous experience running commercial and  digital networks we are very lucky to have him managing the service during its pilot phase, as it evolves and becomes available in new markets,” said Bennett.