BBC announces John Curbishley as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer

The BBC has announced that John Curbishley has been appointed to the new role of Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. John is an experienced strategy, transformation, and business development executive with over 25 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry. He was most recently with Paramount Global where he served as EVP of Corporate Strategy.

As Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, John will sit on the Executive Committee, with responsibility for leading the development and delivery of the BBC’s Group strategy, transformation and performance agenda, and driving the transformation of the BBC to deliver value to all audiences. He will report to Director-General Tim Davie and will take up the new role in April 2025. John began his media career as an analyst in the BBC’s corporate strategy team in the late 1990s. He has also held leadership roles at Viacom and NBCUniversal.

John Curbishley was pleased with his return to the company: “After beginning my media career in the BBC’s corporate strategy team, I am delighted to be returning to the organisation to take up this role at such a crucial time for our industry. I believe the BBC’s mission has never been more relevant than it is today, and it will be a privilege to play a part in charting its future," commented.

The new Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer role brings together the BBC’s strategy and transformation agendas under one member of the Executive Committee. The role was created after Group Director of Strategy and Performance Gautam Rangarajan announced last summer that he would be departing the BBC after 31 years, and 11 years as Director of Strategy.

Meanwhile, Director-General Tim Davie praised the executive's extensive experience: “I’m delighted to welcome John to the BBC and to the Executive Committee. His experience and insight will provide strong leadership to our Strategy and Transformation teams during this important next phase for the BBC. I would also like to put on record my sincere thanks to Gautam for his strategic thinking and commitment to the BBC, as well as for the support and counsel he has provided to me and the BBC’s senior leadership. We wish him every success for the future.”

The BBC has also announced that Chief Product Officer Storm Fagan has been appointed to the Executive Committee. This appointment will bring together all elements of the BBC’s digital platform strategy under one Executive-level strategic lead.