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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide has appointed Simon Danker as its Commercial Director for Independents and New Ventures within the Content & Production business.

Simon will be responsible for managing ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide's well established relationships with Independent production companies as well as driving the business forward into new commercial activities. The development of the team's digital initiatives will be a priority as well as providing a strategic overview of the business.

"The Indie Unit has fast established itself as a vital source of world class content for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide as well as a key champion and partner for the UK's indie sector. The appointment of Simon Danker signals a new phase for the team as we look to strategically grow the business in new areas," said Helen Jackson, MD for Content & Production.

She added: "Simon brings with him huge experience not only in digital where he was the key architect of our relationships with YouTube and iTunes but his knowledge of the international television and Channels businesses is equally valuable."

Simon Danker said: "I look forward to working with the great network of producers the Indie Unit has built up across factual, drama and entertainment, and of course to develop new production partnerships. With audiences watching more content online, this will also include looking at new ways to fund and produce digital content."

Simon joined ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide in 2000 as director of UK and Ireland TV within Global TV Sales. He managed the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s relationship with UKTV and led the development of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ shows on video-on-demand platforms. In addition to this, he ran the programme sales business to broadcasters in the UK and Ireland.

Simon was promoted to Director for Digital Content Partnerships responsible for growing digital revenues through global content partnerships with leading brands such as iTunes, YouTube, Nokia and Microsoft, in addition to regional tie-ups.

Successes include the renewed partnership with YouTube that saw the launch of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳-branded channels on the service such as Top Gear and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Earth. ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide video content is also available to iTunes audiences around the world on the Xbox and Playstation.

Simon's new role is effective immediately and will report into Helen Jackson.

Cristina Dunn