ITV has appointed Laura Mackie, the BBC's head of drama series and serials, to its new senior commissioning lineup.

As the newly-created 'controller of drama', Mackie will handle an annual budget of £320 million and some 680 hours alongside Nick Elliott, director of drama.

The role will prime her to succeed Elliott, who has confirmed that he will retire at the end of 2007.

"The really exciting project for Laura and I is to work together to launch a new era in ITV drama," said Elliott, who has previously worked with Mackie at both the BBC and LWT. "Over the next two years we will use our traditional strengths to consolidate ITV's position as the leading channel for popular drama. And we will be introducing fresh thoughts and talent to ensure that we move with the times and find the hits for tomorrow."