BBC Worldwide Names New North America Head

Scannell will turn over day-to-day operations to Sarnoff on Aug. 1, but will remain with the company through the summer to aid in the transition.

Since joining BBC Worldwide in June 2010, Scannell has seen many successes including an increase in overall revenues by 50 percent. He has been crucial in framing the cable channel BBC America into what it is today, seeing four-and-a-half years of consecutive ratings growth, launching compelling original programming such as "Orphan Black" and spearheading last year’s joint venture between BBC Worldwide and AMC Networks, which resulted in AMCN taking a 49.9% stake in BBC America and co-investing in future BBC productions. Under Scannell’s leadership, strategic digital content sales increased exponentially and recently overtook linear content sales for the first time ever. Additionally, BBC.com launched a North America edition and five feature sections, and BBC Worldwide Productions, the Los Angeles-based production arm, has moved into scripted series and tripled their production output alongside ratings powerhouse "Dancing with the Stars," which this week concluded its 20th season on ABC.

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Prior to joining BBC Worldwide, Scannell spent much of his career at Viacom in roles that included vice chairman of MTV Networks and president of Nickelodeon Networks.