Endemol UK's chief creative officer Tim Hincks is to replace Dawn Airey as the executive chair of the Edinburgh TV Festival.

As chair, Hincks will be responsible for overseeing the editorial content of the annual event, which takes place in August. Airey, MD of channels and services at Sky, has held the role since 2001.

"I was delighted and honoured to be asked by Dawn to carry on with the brilliant work she’s done over the last five years," said Hincks, who will take over from Airey after this year's festival. "Dawn’s inspiration and infectious enthusiasm has ensured Edinburgh is the number one event in the TV industry calendar. My aim is to keep there."

Airey added: "I’ve had a ball running Edinburgh, but after five years it is time for a new person at the helm. I am thrilled that the very talented Mr Hincks has accepted the Chair; I have no doubt he will guide the Festival with all the skill and wit he applies to his productions. Edinburgh is in excellent hands."