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Matthew Littleford has taken on the role of General Manager of the pilot for the global ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer.  Littleford joined ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide in April 2011 as Creative Director for the commercial and international video on demand service that launched in 11 Western European countries in July this year and today, 29th Sept launches in Australia.

As General Manager, Littleford is responsible for editorial and day to day operation, marketing, promotion, product and technology and reports directly to Jana Bennett, President Worldwide Channels and global ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer.

Commented Bennett: "Matthew is the perfect choice to lead the global ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer through its next journey as we move into the entertainment schedules of digital audiences around the world.  With his passion for British television and previous experience running commercial and digital networks we are very lucky to have him managing the service during its pilot phase, as it evolves and becomes available in new markets."

Littleford said: "This is a really exciting time for the global ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer as we continue to evolve, develop and ensure it is what our international audiences want from us. I'm delighted to be taking on overall responsibility as we move from launch phase into roll-out."

Littleford joined ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide this year after three and a half years overseeing the UKTV portfolio of channels, including Dave, Really and Good Food.

The global ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer app launched in Western Europe in July 2011, delivering the award-winning programming upon which the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s history and heritage is built.  The app is currently available in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. It launches in Australia on Thursday 29th September 2011. More territories are due to launch later this year.

Subscribers are able to access a rich selection of captivating English language programmes across eight genres: News Specials & Documentaries; Entertainment; Drama; Comedy; Science & Nature; Family & Kids; Music & Culture and Lifestyle.

Tessa Matchett