Burke Joins BBC Executive Board

The BBC has confirmed the appointment of Simon Burke as a Non-executive Director of the BBC Executive Board.
Mr Burke will join the board from 1 January 2011. He replaces David Robbie, whose term came to an end earlier this month.
The appointment has been made by the BBC Executive Board with the approval of the BBC Trust.
Announcing the appointment, the BBC Director-General Mark Thompson said: "I'm extremely pleased that someone with Simon's background will now be able to contribute to the effectiveness of the Executive Board.
"The addition of Non-executives to our board has had many benefits for the BBC – the experience they have brought with them from such varied areas of industry has been invaluable.
"It's the combination of his experience in the entertainment industry with a proven commitment to culture and public service that makes Simon's appointment such a great asset for the BBC, and I am looking forward to working with him."
Simon Burke said: "I'm both delighted and privileged to be able to play a part in helping the BBC to deliver its objectives and rise to the challenges that lie ahead."
Simon Burke is currently a Trustee of the National Gallery, the Chairman of Hobbycraft, the arts and crafts retailer, and Chairman of the Irish supermarket chain Superquinn.
His previous positions include chief executive or chairman roles for Virgin Entertainment Group, Hamleys PLC, Majestic Wine PLC and Total Home Entertainment.
(BMcC/GK)