Longtime TV executive Perry Simon has been named general manager of channels for BBC Worldwide America, the company announced on Thursday.
Simon will be responsible for the strategy and creative direction of BBC America, BBC America HD, Video on Demand, BBCAmerica.com, and the company's U.S. distribution operations.
Simon is a network and programming veteran having held various top positions at NBC, Viacom and his own Paramount-based production company, Shore View Entertainment.
He will be based in New York starting on Sept. 7 and will report to Herb Scannell, president of BBC Worldwide America.
“Perry is a creative force with a proven track record of successfully developing, producing, scheduling and marketing television and has most recently been active in emerging digital platforms. He has the perfect combination of experience in television and digital media to take BBC America to new heights,” said Scannell in a statement.
During his 13 years at NBC, Simon rose to become executive vice president of primetime programs, helping develop and oversee "The Cosby Show," "Cheers," "Frasier" and "Seinfeld."
Subsequently, he spent 10 years as president of Viacom Productions, overseeing such shows as “Ed” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”
At Simon’s production company, Shore View Entertainment, he was executive producer on USA Network’s science-fiction series, “The 4400.”
Most recently, Simon served as chief content officer at television service provider Sezmi Corporation.
