The BBC has announced the appointment of former Paramount Global executive John Curbishley to the new role of Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer.
The role brings together the BBC’s strategy and transformation agendas under one member of the Executive Committee, and was created after Group Director of Strategy and Performance Gautam Rangarajan announced last summer that he would be leaving the broadcaster.
Curbishley is described by the BBC as “an experienced strategy, transformation, and business development executive with over 25 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry.”
In addition to Paramount, where he served as EVP of Corporate Strategy, his career includes spells at Viacom and NBCUniversal. He began his media career as an analyst in the BBC’s corporate strategy team in the late 1990s.
In his new role, Curbishley will sit on the Executive Committee, with responsibility for leading the development and delivery of the BBC’s Group strategy, transformation and performance agenda.
He will report to Director-General Tim Davie and will take up post next month.
Curbishley said: “After beginning my media career in the BBC’s corporate strategy team, I am delighted to be returning to the organisation to take up this role at such a crucial time for our industry.
“I believe the BBC’s mission has never been more relevant than it is today, and it will be a privilege to play a part in charting its future.”
Director-General Tim Davie said: “I’m delighted to welcome John to the BBC and to the Executive Committee. His experience and insight will provide strong leadership to our Strategy and Transformation teams during this important next phase for the BBC.
“I would also like to put on record my sincere thanks to Gautam for his strategic thinking and commitment to the BBC, as well as for the support and counsel he has provided to me and the BBC’s senior leadership. We wish him every success for the future.”