BBC Radio 2 has appointed Jeff Smith as the station's head of music.

Currently director of UK and international programming at Napster, Smith will join at the end of March. He takes over from Colin Martin, who announced his retirement in December 2006.

Smith said: "Technology is transforming our industry, and I look forward to working with the music industry and my colleagues at Radio 2 to engage our listeners in the very best music in innovative new ways."

Lesley Douglas, controller of Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music said: "Colin Martin is a very hard act to follow but I have no doubt that Jeff's love of music, industry experience and recent role at Napster puts him a unique position to move Radio 2 forward.

"It is crucial that we remain distinct in the market place and I believe that Jeff is the person to embrace the full breadth of music on the network."

In 2004 he joined Smith joined Napster, where he was responsible for sourcing all content and commissioning new programming initiatives and streamcasts.

Leanne Sharman, Napster UK vice-president and general manager, added: "For the BBC to recruit from Napster for such a pivotal role in UK radio indicates how important digital has become in the development of the music industry."

As well as Napster, Smith has clocked up 18 years of programming experience in the UK radio industry including BBC Radio 1, BBC World Service and London's Capital Radio.

At the BBC he started the Evening Session programme, and played a part in revitalising Radio 1 as head of music policy from 1997 to 2000, helping to bring DJs Chris Moyles, Jo Whiley, Trevor Nelson, Stuart Maconie and Steve Lamacq to the BBC. In the mid-1990s, he worked in independent production at Wise Buddah as director of programmes.