BBC Radio 5 Live has appointed Adrian Van Klaveren as controller of the national network, taking over from Bob Shennan who left in December. Adrian is currently deputy director of news and controller of news production and regular deputies for BBC director of news Helen Boaden.
Previously Adrian was head of BBC news gathering and before that he was head of local programmes for BBC West Midlands based in Birmingham, responsible for the output of BBC regional television from Birmingham and five local radio stations.
He will start his new role on 21 April 2008.
Adrian Van Klaveren says: "Getting the chance to run my favourite radio station is my dream job. Radio 5 Live has a unique tone and character and a very special relationship with its audience. I want to build on that passion for sport and commitment to live news. I'm really excited about leading the station to its new home in Salford."
Jenny Abramsky, Director of BBC Audio & Music, says: "I am thrilled that Adrian is to become Controller of 5 Live. Adrian is a passionate listener to and supporter of 5 Live and the right person to take the station forward to its new and exciting future in Salford.
"He has been a terrific editorial leader in BBC News, affecting change across the whole division. He understands how important 5 Live is for BBC Radio and for BBC News and Sport. Under his leadership I have no doubt 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra will go from strength to strength."
Andy Parfitt, Controller of BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra BBC, and BBC Switch, the BBC's new teen content across TV, Radio and digital, will retain the controllership of BBC Asian Network which he has overseen since December.
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