Digital Radio CEO announced

The new CEO of Digital Radio UK is former head of Digital UK, Ford Ennals.

In his previous position, Ford was responsible for all operational and strategic activity at Digital UK, heading up the strategy for digital television switchover in the UK.

Now, as Chief Executive Officer of Digital Radio UK, he is hoping to do the same for radio as the industry heads towards a possible "FM Upgrade" date of 2015.

Ford Ennals is looking forward to his new challenge: "Digital radio is a great development for listeners and the industry. It brings a host of benefits, and with the establishment of Digital Radio UK and the publication of the Digital Economy Bill, we now have the exciting opportunity to extend those benefits to everyone. I am greatly looking forward to playing my role in making that happen."

He has held senior-level consumer marketing and commercial management roles within numerous other leading brands including Universal Music and Pictures, Lloyds TSB, British Airways, Reebok and Mars.

Tim Davie, Director of Audio and Music at the BBC said: "I am delighted that Ford has accepted one of the biggest jobs in UK radio. He is a high calibre executive with a proven track record, and I’m confident he will help the industry make real progress in delivering a step change in radio's digital development."

Andrew Harrison, Chief Executive of Radio Centre: "It really is an exciting time in radio at the moment, with the publication of the Digital Economy Bill enabling radio to compete in the digital age, the announcement yesterday (Thursday) of the UK Radioplayer, which will launch next year, and now the appointment of Ford as the new chief executive of Digital Radio UK which is fantastic news for the entire radio industry – there’s a real momentum."