BBC Worldwide hands first GC role to internal legal head

Freeman takes up the newly created position after having been group head and director of BBC Worldwide’s legal and business affairs since 2002.

In his 10 years of tenure Freeman has, most notably, led on the divestments of BBC magazines and BBC audiobooks, the re-structuring of joint ventures with Discovery and has had overall responsibility for rights acquisition and management.

Most recently Freeman led on raising financing and negotiating deals for BBC Worldwide’s slate of natural history feature films.

In his latest role, Freeman will take responsibility across all legal and business affairs, policy and regulatory matters including the negotiation of transactions and joint ventures, rights and deals management, crisis management, compliance, risk management and talent accounting.

Commenting on Freeman’s appointment BBC Worldwide chief executive John Smith said: “There’s no one better placed to take on this crucial new role. His proven track record in negotiating deals with partners, rights holders and investors will be invaluable as we take the business forward.”

He will take up his position on 21 November.