Former Labour culture secretary James Purnell will take over as the new director of BBC Radio from Helen Boaden, who has announced her retirement after 34 years.
Purnell will be tasked with unifying the BBC network of radio, arts, music, learning and children's in his remit as director, radio and education.
His role is part of larger changes being implemented by the corporation's director general, Lord Hall, to his leadership team.
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Mr Purnell said: "I'm delighted to have been asked to lead the new division, radio and education, bringing together arts, music and network radio with children's and learning.
"We're the best public service broadcaster in the world in all these areas. They're unique, but face common challenges - from reaching younger audiences to workings in partnership."
Lord Hall stressed the need for a BBC that is "more digital, more open and more global than ever".
Ms Boaden will continue to oversee radio until the end of October, and she will then be responsible for the BBC's digital project, myBBC and its contribution to the Hull City of Culture.
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She will leave in March 2017 and will embark on a Harvard Fellowship in the Spring. During her tenure at the BBC she has been director of news and controller of Radio 4.
She said in a statement that "now is the right time to leave".
"With a new charter to implement, Tony Hall needs a top team committed to the long haul. By contrast, I am keen to embrace a different life and put my energy, skills and experience into other things I care about," she said.
Lord Patten of Barnes, former chairman of the BBC Trust and ex-conservative cabinet minister, said: "James Purnell has huge experience in public affairs and now in broadcasting. I am sure he will do an excellent job running some of the BBC's flagship services.
"He takes over from Helen Boaden who has been one of the BBC's great servants over a number of years. She was the first woman to lead news and won two Sony awards for her work in radio. I enjoyed working with them."
Lord Hall said that with the new charter "all but done", he needed "the right top team in place, with the right responsibilities, to deliver just that".
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The corporation said Mr Purnell, who is currently director of strategy and education, would remain on the salary of £295,000 in his new remit.
Culture Secretary Karen Bradley recently confirmed that under the corporation's new 11-year royal charter, it will be required to disclose the pay of staff and ''talent'' earning more than £150,000 a year.
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