BBC Worldwide restructures as legal chief bags promotion

The BBC’s director of business and legal affairs Sarah Cooper has been promoted to chief operating officer (COO) at BBC Worldwide.

The role, which has been newly created, will see Cooper directly responsible for all of BBC Worldwide's corporate operations including legal and business affairs, talent accounting and corporate governance.

Cooper’s former position as director of legal affairs is being subsumed into her COO role, meaning her old job has been dropped.

Cooper will also take the lead in corporate-wide projects such as the BBC’s relocation and the development of brand strategy across the business.

The role will also continue to support the implementation of core joint ventures and acquisitions.

Cooper will continue to report to BBC Worldwide’s chief executive John Smith and will act as his deputy in his absence.