Dear stations,

I’m writing to inform you that Larissa Abid, Senior Business Development Manager, North America, Caribbean Region and Radio International, for the BBC World Service will be leaving the BBC at the end of October.

Larissa’s contribution to the BBC is immense. She began her BBC career with the BBC Russian Service as presenter and producer, continuing into BBC World Service Marketing, and later with BBC World Service Business Development. In May of 2017, she accepted her current role which includes working with BBC content teams and APM to distribute BBC World Service to over 600 public radio stations in the US. Larissa is a familiar face on the public radio scene, having attended many PRPD conferences and BBC station events. She has been a wonderful colleague and an advocate for our station partners over the years– her editorial and business experience will be much missed. Larissa’s responsibilities will be taken over by Emma Pendino, who is currently Senior Business Development Manager, BBC World Service English where she strategizes audience growth; responds to the needs of changing markets; fosters editorial collaborations; and enhances multi-media business development activities. A BBC employee since 1999, Emma created the Partner Production Hub, an editorial unit producing bespoke content such as Topline and Climate Watch for global partner stations.  She also established the first World Service English video offer for partners. She will be supported by the BBC Business Development team whom she already knows well and has been shadowing Larissa and working with APM Distribution for several months in preparation for this transition.

Head of Business Development Americas and Europe, Fred Durman, says: “Larissa is irreplaceable but try we must. Emma knows BBC World Service inside out and has played a crucial role in program development over the years and in the establishment of the Partner Production Hub. With her overseeing day-to-day business, we are confident that our US partnerships are in safe hands.”

We welcome Emma to her new role and thank Larissa for all she has done for the development of our public radio community and wish her the very best for the future. If you would like to send notes of welcome and farewell, share them with your rep and we will pass them along to Emma and Larissa.

Amy Lundgren
Director, Portfolio & Operations
APM Distribution