BBC Studios announced yesterday the appointments of Pierre Cloete and Zbigniew Pruski as Commercial Directors for Branded Services, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe respectively.

The appointment of Commercial Directors for Branded Services in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe follows the recent reorganization of CEMA from general market management to a focus on specialist lines of business.

Both roles will report into Louise La Grange, SVP Branded Services Commercial and will be responsible for delivering branded services revenue and profit across Sub-Saharan Africa, and CEE, in line with targets and growth ambitions and through expert client management and new business development.

As Commercial Director Branded Services, Central and Eastern Europe, Zbigniew Pruski will be based in Warsaw. Zbigniew takes up this new and expanded position for the region after a successful tenure as Head of Affiliate Sales for BBC Studios in Poland, where he was responsible for developing strategic distribution initiatives for the BBC channel portfolio. Zbigniew joined BBC Studios (formerly BBC Worldwide) in 2011 from Discovery Networks Central Europe where he was Affiliate Sales Administration Executive. He began his television career at distribution and management agency Program Sp z.o.o as the Key Account Manager for broadcasters such as CNBC Europe, BBC Worldwide and NGC.

Louise La Grange, SVP Branded Services Commercial at BBC Studios said, "The appointments of Commercial Directors for Sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Eastern Europe signals our on-going commitment to the African and CEE markets and a continued local presence on the ground. Pierre and Zbigniew have proven track records in the industry and I am confident that their local insight, expertise, and great relationships will give us the focus, consistency, and effectiveness we need to put us in the best position to achieve our ambitions for growth.”

Zbigniew Pruski said: ”I’m thrilled to be taking the additional responsibility for leading Branded Services commercial activities across CEE in this new role. I’m looking forward to continue the development of our business in both regions and the new exciting opportunities this may bring.”