BBC Appoint New Director of Nations and Regions

Ken MacQuarrie, Director of BBC Scotland, has been appointed as the BBC's new Director of Nations and Regions.

The role will have responsibility for bringing together and enhancing the BBC's offer to the nations and regions of the UK and will sit on the BBC's new Executive Committee.

The role was announced by the Director-General, Tony Hall in July 2016 and will ensure that the BBC represents the changing UK more effectively. Ken MacQuarrie will take up the post with immediate effect and will be responsible for representing the voice of audiences outside London as well as taking on editorial responsibility for all of the content produced by the BBC's Nations and Regions teams. With all areas of the BBC facing financial pressures, he will also be responsible for identifying savings in the Nations and Regions so that more money can be released for content.

The Nations Directors and the Directors of the regional hubs in the North, Midlands and South West will work to this role and work will now begin on the process of replacing Ken MacQuarrie in Scotland.

Tony Hall said: "I am delighted to appoint Kenny to this important post. Reflecting the nations and serving them well is vital for the BBC and a key part of the new Charter. There is no one better than Kenny to get this right. He is a supremely able leader and manager and is hugely respected, not just within the BBC, but outside as well. I know he's the right person to give the Nations and Regions a strong voice across the BBC."

Ken MacQuarrie added: "I'm looking forward to beginning this new role. I know how much audiences value the BBC reflecting their own communities. From the Isles of Scilly to Shetland there are some great stories to be told. We want to represent and report all corners of the UK and everybody should feel that the BBC offers something for them. I'll enjoy championing our excellent nations and regions teams at the top table."

Ken will be based outside of London and will travel extensively across the UK as part of the role.