BBC Worldwide director of channels for EMEIA, Wayne Dunsford, said "Susanne will play a pivotal role in the development of our channel business across all territories. With several years' experience of both programme sales and channel distribution in several key markets, Susanne brings a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the broadcast industry to the role."

Gallagher said, " There is enormous potential for new growth of our channel business and it is an exciting challenge to drive channel sales to a new level. Our team will build the business with the introduction of BBC Prime and BBC Food into new territories, expansion of our subscription levels with existing contracts and by establishing new network partnerships to extend coverage in territories where we already broadcast. Another key focus is also to extend our strategy of adding value to existing distribution with initiatives such as localisation."

BBC Prime's content consists of prime programmes from BBC One and BBC Two . The channel targets British travellers and International audiences, BBC Prime is usually available in hotels abroad.

Gallagher joined the BBC in 1993 working for BBC World Service. She has worked for BBC Worldwide since 1994, taking up sales roles in various markets including Iberia, Africa and the Middle East. Gallagher replaces Charlotte Repholtz who is returning to her native Denmark to manage the BBC Worldwide channels office in Copenhagen. From Denmark, Charlotte will focus on developing channel distribution across Scandinavia, Poland and Hungary.