MUMBAI: BBC has announced the appointment of Etienne de Villiers as the independent chairman for the BBC's Commercial Holdings Board (CHB) following a rigorous competitive selection process managed by external headhunters. He currently serves as tennis' professional body ATP's chairman.

The BBC Commercial Holdings Board was established to support and further the objectives of the Corporation set out in the Charter. It serves to act, and to use its rights and powers to ensure that the BBC's commercial dealings are at all times undertaken by the provisions as set out in the BBC Charter.

Thompson said, "The BBC's commercial businesses provide a vital source of additional income for the BBC and are now on an ambitious growth path to increase their contribution to the BBC in the interests of licence fee payers. Etienne de Villiers has an outstanding reputation in the international media business and, as non-executive chairman of the Commercial Board, will contribute to the achievement of the growth as well as strengthening the governance of our commercial activities."

Villiers said, "This is an exciting opportunity to take part in shaping the BBC through the next phase of its evolution in broadcasting. I am a huge supporter of the Corporation and believe that a strong independent BBC with a meaningful branded presence around the world brings enormous value to Britain, as well as to the licence fee payer."