BBC World Service director quits
- Published: 25 November 2008 11:57
- Author: Chris Curtis
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- Last Updated: 25 November 2008 11:57
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BBC World Service director Nigel Chapman is leaving the corporation after almost 31 years service.
From March 2009 he will become chief executive of children's charity Plan International, of which he has been a UK trustee for six years. The BBC is to begin advertising for his successor shortly.
Chapman has been director of the World Service since 2004 and was also previously deputy director of the World Service, director of BBC Online and controller of English regions. He also was also a producer and editor of a number of news and current affairs programmes.
BBC Global News director Richard Sambrook paid tribute to Chapman, saying he had overseen "the biggest restructuring of the service since it was launched", including the move into language television and the strengthening of its internet presence.
Sambrook said: "The World Service today is stronger than when he joined it and enjoys the largest audience it has ever had - a fitting tribute to his hard work and commitment."
In an email to staff, Chapman explained his reason for leaving.
He said: "Put simply, it is an education working for the World Service. Our programmes about the developing world in particular have kindled a growing personal interest in international development issues. Visits to Africa and South Asia have brought these issues to life. The work of the World Service Trust has also been very instrumental in fuelling these interests.
"I have seen first hand the wonderful impact of its work as well as the enormous influence the World Service as a whole has in the world's poorest countries. Hence my decision to leave the BBC after more than 30 years and move full time into the charity sector."
