The commercial arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) – BBC Advertising, expanded its Asia sales team to respond to growth opportunities in the region.

This comes just a few months after BBC World Service started running ads for the first time in its history in April.

Two new roles have been created with a focus on China, Korea, Japan, India and fast-track SE Asia.

John Williams will be based in Singapore as Vice-President, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and India.

Prior to this, Williams was Vice-President, International Advertising for BBC Worldwide, North America.

Katy Xu has been appointed Vice-President, Greater China and North Asia, and will be based in Hong Kong.

She is currently Regional Director, Hong Kong and Greater China.

Speaking to BestMediaInfo, Williams said: “I am excited about this opportunity to work in one of the most exciting regions in the world with a new team eager for continued success.”

Xu said: “I am looking forward to building partnerships in new and existing markets to take our ad sales business to the next level.”