LONDON -- The chairman of BBC Worldwide, former Disney topper Etienne de Villiers, is to stand down at the end of the month.
The corporation's director general Mark Thompson paid tribute to De Villiers, who became chairman and non-executive director of BBC Worldwide in January 2006.
Thompson said: "Under Etienne's stewardship, BBC Worldwide has significantly grown both revenues and profits.
"The business has expanded internationally and is recognized around the world as a trusted media brand.
"His strategic counsel has played an important part in that achievement, which directly benefits U.K. license fee payers because of the way in which Worldwide's profits are fed back into the BBC's public services."
De Villiers, who worked for the Mouse House for 14 years, latterly as prexy of Walt Disney Intl. Europe, MidEast and Africa, will quit Sept. 30.
During his tenure as chairman of Worldwide, the company exceeded growth targets set four years ago and in July reported revenues of more than £1 billion ($1.63 billion).
De Villiers will act as a consultant for Worldwide until a new chairman is in place.
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