BBC director general new non-exec chair of BBC Worldwide

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Director general of the BBC Mark Thompson has been named as the new non-executive chairman of BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the broadcaster.

According to a release from BBC Worldwide, Thompson, who has been director general of the BBC since 2004, has taken up the additional role with immediate effect.

He has filled the role vacated by Robert Webb QC who joined the board in 2007 and became chairman in 2009. Six other members sat on the board at the time of BBC Worldwide's last annual report, including chief executive officer John Smith.

In the release Thompson said: "Robert has played an invaluable role, providing guidance and counsel to BBC Worldwide through the past few years.

"His tenure as chairman has coincided with BBC Worldwide’s strongest financial results, returning more money to the BBC than ever before. This in turn helps keep the licence fee as low as possible." According to a report on the move by BBC magazine Ariel, while Webb was paid £77,000 for carrying out the role in 2011, Thompson will not receive payment.