BBC names Salford chief

THE BBC has named the new chief operating officer of its production centre at Salford Quays.

It has appointed Richard Deverell, controller of BBC Children’s, who will report directly to Peter Salmon, director of BBC North.

The BBC said Mr Deverell will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic and operational infrastructure for BBC North which will be based in Salford from 2011.

He will continue to spearhead the broadcaster’s children’s programming until 2010.

Mr Salmon said: “This role is fundamental to the success of BBC North and Richard brings with him enormous strategic, editorial and creative experience. Taken alongside his compelling track record as a creative leader, and his long-term commitment to BBC North, he is an outstanding choice for chief operating officer.”

Mr Deverell said: “This is a unique opportunity to help create something new and exciting, and to reinvent the BBC for the very different media landscape of the 21st Century.

“Salford can be a showcase for creative excellence, audience focus and a new approach to partnerships, as well as offering new and exciting careers for staff.”

Mr Deverell has helmed BBC Children’s since 2006, having joined the department as chief operating officer in 2005. He was previously head of news interactive, responsible for the BBC News website, Interactive TV, Ceefax and iCan, and before that head of strategy and marketing at BBC News.

He joined the BBC in 1992 in the strategy department where he worked on a variety of projects including BBC Charter renewal and developing the BBC’s response to multi-channel television distribution and the internet.