BBC Worldwide has appointed Daniel Heaf, the digital commissioner of 4iP, to the newly-created role of digital director.
Heaf rejoins the corporation's commercial arm after a stint as director of digital ventures from 2007 to 2008. Prior to that, he was interactive editor of Radio 1 and 1Xtra for five years.
His role will be to grow and expand existing digital businesses within BBC Worldwide, where he will report to the chief executive, John Smith.
Speaking about his appointment, Heaf said: "There are only a handful of jobs in digital media that touch every corner of the globe and this is one of them. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape and grow a powerful digital domain. I look forward to rejoining the team and working with BBC Worldwide's digital executives."
Smith added that Heaf is "expertly equipped to provide a strong digital vision as we continue to realise our digital ambitions. We're thrilled to have him back at BBC Worldwide."
The BBC's commercial arm releases its annual results next month, which are expected to reveal record pre-tax profits of about £140m for the past financial year.
In a MediaGuardian interview this week, Smith acknowledged "particular sensitivities" around pay at the BBC, but said all Worldwide staff should get the financial reward they deserve.
To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediatheguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000.