Gwyneth Williams has been appointed Controller of BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 7, replacing Mark Damazer.
She joins from BBC World Service where she was Director of the English service, and starts her new position from September.
Gwyneth will report to Tim Davie, Director BBC Audio and Music. He's delighted with the appointment: "Gwyneth is an editorial leader of the highest calibre and a passionate supporter of Radio 4. She brings vast broadcasting experience, tremendous intelligence and a fresh perspective to one of the biggest jobs in broadcasting, and I look forward to working with her in building on Mark Damazer's success."
Gwyneth Williams said: "Radio 4 represents the BBC at its best: it is loved and trusted and stands above all for quality. It is a privilege and honour to be asked to lead the network through the next stage of its evolution. I am hugely looking forward to working with so many talented programme-makers, each with a unique contribution to make. I want to ensure that this creativity shows on air and delights and inspires our listeners."
Gwyneth started her career in Bush House as a trainee talks writer in 1976, then moving to become producer and duty editor of BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight. Later, as Deputy Editor, Special Current Affairs Programmes, she worked on a range of programmes including election coverage.
As Editor, Policy and Social Programmes from 1994 to 1996 she oversaw the launch of current affairs programmes on BBC Radio 5 Live, edited Radio 4 flagship programmes including The Week In Westminster and worked briefly for BBC One's On The Record. She has also been Editor, Foreign Affairs Radio and bi-media Editor, Home Current Affairs.
At the beginning of her career, Gwyneth worked as a research assistant at the Overseas Development Institute and published two books, one on Southern Africa with Brian Hackland and one on Third World political organisations. She took five years out of formal employment to be with her children in the Eighties. She grew up in South Africa and was educated at St Hugh's College, Oxford.
Mark Damazer leaves in September to take up the role of Head of St Peter's College, Oxford.