Cloete will be based in Johannesburg and will report to Louise La Grange, SVP: branded services commercial. His appointment will commence on Sunday, 1 September and he will be responsible for delivering branded services revenue and profit across sub-Saharan Africa.

These roles will be in line with targets and growth ambitions, through expert client management and new business development. Cloete has experience in the television industry and joins BBC Studios from Kwesé. As managing director for Kwesé General Entertainment, he was responsible for the launch of its pay-tv service, and most recently served as head of Kwesé Sports digital content. Additionally, Cloete was the acting CEO for Kwesé Sports.

Prior to this, Cloete spent two years as head of TV and media for sub-Saharan Africa for Ericsson South Africa, where he led the development of an innovative end-to-end video service.

During his eight years at M-Net, Pierre was responsible for launching 19 channels into the market and oversaw the launch of new seasons of popular series Idols, Survivor and Carte Blanche, in addition to the launch of Masterchef South Africa, which was nominated for an International Emmy.

Pierre started his career with Johannesburg-based production company Rapid Blue before joining MultiChoice in the SuperSport division. "The appointment of a commercial director for sub-Saharan Africa signals our on-going commitment to the market and a continued local presence on the ground," says Louise La Grange, SVP branded services commercial at BBC Studios.

"Pierre has a proven track record in the African television industry, and I am confident that his experience and local knowledge will put BBC Studios in the best position to achieve our ambitions for growth," La Grange adds.

Cloete says, "I am delighted to join BBC Studios as commercial director for branded services across sub-Saharan Africa. The quality of the BBC channels and its content is first-class, and it is an honour to join the BBC Studios team."

"Africa is filled with amazing people that enjoy great stories and love quality content. The potential is ever increasing in Africa as more stories are being told and consumed and I look forward to adding value to the BBC Studios team," Cloete concludes.

For more information, visit www.bbcstudios.com. You can also follow BBC Studios South Africa on Twitter.