Press release from BBC
BBC Worldwide has named Deirdre Brennan as General Manager and Director of Channels and Branded Services, Australasia.
Currently Director of Television for BBC Worldwide Australia, Deirdre will be responsible for the ongoing growth and development of the local channel portfolio – UKTV, UKTV NZ, BBC Knowledge, BBC Knowledge NZ and CBeebies – as well as managing local operations for BBC World News. She will also oversee the channels’ branded non-linear services in the market, and the ongoing rollout of the global BBC iPlayer.
Reporting to Jana Bennett, President, Worldwide Networks and Global BBC iPlayer, Deirdre will also work closely with Tony Iffland (until April), and his eventual successor as General Manager for BBC Worldwide Australia. Deirdre takes up her role with immediate effect.
Jana Bennett said, “Deirdre brings great vision and dynamism to the role of General Manager of Channels and Branded Services, and an in-depth understanding of the needs of our growing network in Australia and New Zealand. Following a competitive process, I am delighted to welcome her to the senior management team.”
Deirdre Brennan said, “I’m proud of the growth of our channels portfolio over the last few years, from the launch of BBC Knowledge NZ to the commissioning of some outstanding local content. This new role gives me the opportunity to focus on leading and developing our channels business in territory to great new heights.”
Tony Iffland said, “Deirdre has an unrivalled knowledge and understanding of the Australian subscription television business. Coupled with a real passion and flair for the content that our consumers enjoy, she will be an excellent leader for our growing portfolio of channels and a great support for the General Manager of BBC Worldwide Australia in territory.”
Deirdre joined BBC Worldwide Australia as Director of Television in August 2010, responsible for production, programming, acquisitions, on-air promotions and presentation for the local portfolio of channels. Under her leadership, local production for the channels has grown year on year, with a number of new titles set to debut throughout 2012 and 2013. Among the programs Deirdre has commissioned are The Kangaroo Gang and Free Rein, which premiered in 2011 (UKTV, BBC Knowledge), Dripping in Chocolate, slated for UKTV in April 2012 and Top of the Lake, also for UKTV in 2013. She has been instrumental in the recent launch of global BBC iPlayer in Australia.
Her extensive career in Australian Television has included roles at Nickelodeon Australia and the national broadcaster ABC. She was Director of Programming for Nickelodeon from 2007 to 2010. Prior to this, Deirdre worked as Childrens’ Programmer at ABC, where she also held positions in Program Acquisitions and Marketing. She is also a Member of the International Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences.
One of Deirdre’s first priorities in her new role will be to recruit a new Head of Programming and Production to oversee scheduling and commissioning for the channel portfolio.