Fran Unsworth has been appointed to the BBC’s board, it has been confirmed.
The broadcaster’s director of news and current affairs will fill the position made vacant by the departure of deputy director general Anne Bulford.
The appointment will begin in April and her responsibilities as head of news will remain unchanged.
Fran Unsworth, the Director of News and Current Affairs, has been appointed to the BBC’s Board: https://t.co/ttIVm77tdj pic.twitter.com/TBSc81rbaH
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) February 28, 2019
Bulford, the first female deputy director general of the BBC, announced she was stepping down from her role in January to pursue non-executive roles outside the corporation.
Unsworth said: “I am delighted to be joining the board at a time of great change in the media industry.
“The role of public service broadcasters has never been more important.
“I look forward to starting with the board in April.”
BBC chairman Sir David Clementi added: “Fran Unsworth is an experienced, talented and skilled journalist.
“She cares passionately about public service media and I have no doubt she’ll make a significant contribution to the board.
“The board is delighted she is joining us at an important time for the BBC.”
Unsworth was appointed to the role of director of news and current affairs in January 2017.