CNN International has hired a new senior vice president of programming and vice president of coverage and feature programming.

Katherine Green, recently vice president and news director at Washington DC's WTTG/Fox 5 News, took the first position. The latter went to Mike McCarthy, currently managing editor for CNN International.

Executive vice president and managing director Tony Maddox said the appointments laid "the foundation for future growth and development across CNN’s global network".

He said Green would oversee editorial production, programme development, network talent and day-to-day operations: "Katherine brings a unique and formidable track record in programming innovation, a wealth of editorial talent and really exciting ideas to this job.

"This is one of the key appointments for the international group, and Katherine’s exceptional management skills are what we need as we aggressively move into an era of digital development and growth for the network."

She commented: "CNN epitomises global news with a quality and integrity that other networks can only aspire to match. To be able to shape CNN International for the future is a rare opportunity and a challenge I relish."

McCarthy will oversee major breaking news and growing feature production by CNN in London, Hong Kong and Atlanta.

He explained: "One of the keys to our success in the future is harnessing the incredible reach of CNN International’s resources to create new and engaging multi-platform programming for an increasingly diverse and sophisticated audience."