Sally Habbershaw will become President of Global Distribution at BBC Studios, overseeing its worldwide content sales operation from London. Starting on 29 September, she will report to Global Content CEO and Chief Creative Officer Zai Bennett, filling a leadership gap after Janet Brown left in January. The appointment reflects BBC Studios’ efforts to strengthen and centralise its international distribution business.

Habbershaw joins after less than a year as Mediawan’s Chief Distribution Officer, having previously held senior roles at All3Media International, A&E Networks, AMC Networks, Viacom and Paramount businesses. She brings experience spanning content investment, production, platforms and sales, and is also a BAFTA board member. Her appointment comes during wider upheaval in the international television market, including All3Media’s merger with Banijay ahead of MIPCOM.