MUMBAI: Dominic Coles has been appointed as BBC's Journalism Group COO.

He was previously director of sports rights and finance at the BBC. He assumes overall responsibility for the financial and business operations of BBC News, BBC Sport, BBC Global News and BBC Nations & Regions – the divisions which make up the corporation's Journalism Group.

He retains full responsibility for negotiating sports rights, as well as remaining Finance Director for BBC Sport. He will sit on the Journalism Board and the BBC's Finance Board.

BBC deputy DG Mark Byford says, "I am delighted that Dominic Coles has taken up this really important new post on the Journalism Board. He has a wealth of experience and expertise across finance, business operations rights, investment analysis and fair trading. Moreover, he is passionate about the importance of the BBC's role in Journalism and Sport at local, UK-wide and international levels.

"Dominic will be a key member of the Journalism team as we respond to the big challenges of changing audience need, new technologies and new competitors and driving excellence and value for money across all our activities."

Coles says, "I am thrilled to be taking on this new role and the exciting responsibilities which come with it. For anyone with a passion for news, current affairs and sport, this is a dream job. It's also a responsible one given how news and sport remain fundamental to the BBC's ability to connect with its audiences in the digital age.

"I look forward to working with the Deputy Director General, my new colleagues on the Journalism Board, and everyone within this formidable group of divisions."