Bannister to retain some BBC senior marketers

BBC director of marketing and communications Matthew Bannister is understood to have confirmed that a number of senior marketing executives will retain their positions in the new-look department.

Among them is controller of strategic marketing for television Jane Scott.

Scott is expected to retain responsibility for the marketing of TV, including BBC1 and BBC2. She was appointed to the role in March (MW March 23), shortly before Greg Dyke promoted Bannister to look after marketing.

James Thickett, who was head of strategic marketing education and BBC Broadcast, is also expected to retain responsibility for specialist, factual and learning marketing.

It is already known that Chris Mundy, former BSkyB head of research, will retain his position as head of audience and consumer research.

Also tipped to remain in similar positions are: head of online marketing Tim Ledgard, head of marketing news Anna Gorman, head of sports marketing Andrea Vidler, director of customer service Michael Starks and head of Northern Ireland marketing Peter Johnson.

Bannister is thought to be looking outside the corporation to fill one of the main positions in the new line up – head of media and communications.

A director of youth marketing will also be appointed to head an attitudinal group devoted to youth.

Bannister has announced £10m worth of cuts to the marketing and communications budget of £73m. Total savings are likely to amount to £18m.