MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide Channels has announced the appointment of Nina Laricheva to the role of VP Commercial Development for its business in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Reporting to BBC Worldwide Channels senior VP, GM Europe, Middle East and Africa Ian McDonough, she will be responsible for driving revenue growth and the strategic development of the business?s thematic portfolio - BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle, BBC Entertainment, CBeebies and BBC HD - as well as for BBC World News, the BBC?s commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel.

Her role will involve developing the sales and business strategy for the channels in key markets across EMEA, negotiating multiplatform distribution deals in conjunction with local teams and establishing and maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders within BBC Worldwide.

She will take up her new role on 1 November. She fills the position vacated by McDonough on his elevation to GM in August 2010, and will also act as his deputy in her new role.

With over 10 years of experience in the Pay TV industry, she has worked for a number of international broadcasters, most recently Universal Networks International. As Global Affiliate Sales Director, she was instrumental in growing distribution for the network, particularly in Benelux, Africa and the Nordic Region.

Prior to that, she worked as a consultant for BBC Worldwide Channels, after having held the role of Commercial Director for Discovery Networks Europe.

McDonough said, "Nina brings to the role great expertise and a real understanding of the positioning of BBC Worldwide?s Channels business, and its potential within the wider commercial television landscape. I?m delighted to have her on board as we look to build on the success of our channels in EMEA."