(15 June 2006 5:00 pm)

MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has appointed Simon Danker as the director of the digital media. Prior to taking up this new role Simon Danker was director of UK and Ireland TV within BBC Worldwide's Global TV sales division.

Danker will be reporting into BBC Worldwide managing director Digital Media & director of Strategy David Moody.

Danker will lead the team looking at widening the availability of programmes on new technology platforms such as the Internet and mobile phones.

This will include the development of BBC Worldwide's iPlayer, a commercial version of the BBC's proposed iPlayer, which would allow people to download television and radio programmes via the internet, according to an official release.

Danker's portfolio will also cover music, determining new commercial opportunities for BBC Worldwide's music rights and working closely with record labels. Developing partnerships with music and new media industry players both domestically and internationally will be a key part of his role.

Simon Danker said: "New distribution platforms will give audiences what they really want - access on-demand to an unprecedented choice of programming. The quality and breadth of BBC Worldwide's catalogue and our global reputation as a distributor, means we are in a great position to work with platform owners and producers to generate new income streams in this space.

Digital Media & Director Strategy managing director David Moody said: "Simon brings to this new role a wealth of experience. His proven track record in developing strategies for TV Sales, building relationships with third parties and his knowledge of new media distribution make him perfect to join this increasingly important area of the business. I'm delighted to have him on board."

Danker joined BBC Worldwide in 2000. More recently, Danker has managed and grown the development of programme sales to Video on Demand (VoD) platforms such as BT and Homechoice.

Danker's prior position as director of UK and Ireland TV within BBC Worldwide's Global TV sales division is to be filled by Lisa Cfas, currently head of business affairs in the Independents Unit and Children's.

She joined BBC Worldwide in August 2003 before which she was part of the business affairs team in the BBC, supporting drama commissioning for Indies and later BBC Films.

Cfas will take over Simon's role gradually over the next two to three months.