The BBC has announced that Paul Dempsey will serve as interim chief executive officer of BBC Worldwide beginning next month until new CEO Tim Davie takes over the post in March. Dempsey’s appointment was made by Davie.

Dempsey is currently the managing director for consumer products at BBC Worldwide. As a result of his interim appointment, Marcus Arthur, currently managing director for global brands, will take over Dempsey’s current responsibilities as acting managing director for consumer products, in addition to his current role.

BBC Worldwide’s current CEO, John Smith, announced his decision to step down after eight years in charge of the company last month and will leave the business in December.

“I am proud and privileged to have been asked by Tim to take on these responsibilities as an interim measure until he arrives early next year,” says Dempsey. “BBC Worldwide is a dynamic company with exciting times ahead of it. My immediate priority will be to provide the company with leadership and direction so it can keep on delivering great returns to the BBC.”

To read more about Tim Davie’s appointment, click here.