MUMBAI: In keeping with its tradition of delivering television's greatest power players as keynote speakers, The Banff World Television Festival announced that its first speaker will be Dan Marks, CEO, Television Services, British Telecommunications (BT).

Dan Marks joined BT from Universal Studios where he was president of Universal Studios Networks UK. He is responsible for developing BT's next-generation television service, for launching it and for managing its marketing, programming, legal, commercial, operational and development activities. Television Services is the group within BT's consumer business responsible for BT's new consumer television offering launching in 2006. Dan brings a wealth of television knowledge to his keynote address with his experience in broadcast, on-demand services and production.

Previously, Marks was senior vice-president, business development for Universal Studios' worldwide TV channels business. Marks also held positions at Video Networks Limited and TV3 Russia and worked over 10 years in Los Angeles as a documentary film producer and director. Dan's background in strategic development, content partnerships and development of new TV opportunities based on new technologies will be instrumental in enabling the launch of BT's world-leading next-generation TV launch later this year.

Banff World Television Festival, director of content Jennifer Harkness commented, "I am especially thrilled to announce Dan Marks as one of our 2006 keynote speakers. He has had a distinguished television career and delegates will greatly appreciate his particular knowledge of the industry. The 27th Banff World Television Festival is committed to bringing television industry leaders from around the world for our attendees to learn from and network with - and it does so year after year."