Jeff Smith, current Director of UK and International Programming at Napster is joining BBC Radio 2 as Head of Music from March 26th. Jeff, who has previously worked at Capital and Radio 1, will take over from Colin Martin who announced his retirement in December 2006.
Jeff says: "It's tremendously exciting for me to be joining BBC Radio 2 and help shape the music policy of the most popular radio station in the UK.
"Technology is transforming our industry, and I look forward to working with the music industry and my colleagues at Radio 2 to engage our listeners in the very best music in innovative new ways."
Lesley Douglas, Controller, Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music says: "I'm delighted that Jeff has decided to re-join the BBC. Colin Martin is a very hard act to follow but I have no doubt that Jeff's love of music, industry experience and recent role at Napster puts him a unique position to move Radio 2 forward.
"It is crucial that we remain distinct in the market place and I believe that Jeff is the person to embrace the full breadth of music on the network."
Jeff joined Napster in 2004 where he was responsible for sourcing all content and commissioning new programming initiatives and streamcasts.
He has accumulated more than 18 years programming experience in the UK radio industry including BBC Radio 1, BBC World Service and Capital Radio (London). He played a major role in the revitalisation of Radio 1 as Head of Music Policy from 1997 to 2000.
His achievements at the BBC included founding the influential Evening Session programme and bringing current Radio 1 breakfast host Chris Moyles, Jo Whiley, Trevor Nelson, Stuart Maconie and Steve Lamacq to the BBC.
In the mid-Nineties, Jeff worked in independent production at Wise Buddah as Director of Programmes.
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