NTL has appointed Stephen Burch its new president and CEO.

The appointment of Burch comes as NTL gears up to integrate its operations with those of merger partner Telewest. Burch comes to NTL from US cable giant Comcast, where is was heavily involved in integrating the operations of Comcast acquisition AT&T Broadband.

"We will look to Stephen to lead NTL through our merger with Telewest," said NTL chairman James F. Mooney. "Stephen brings a wealth of leadership and direction to our company in this pivotal time as we now begin in earnest to integrate Telewest to create the premier UK communications company. Stephen’s recent experience in being a part of Comcast’s integration of AT&T Broadband has served as the industry gold standard and we are excited that he will lead us through this historic period."

Burch will succeed Simon Duffy, who will become NTL's executive vice chairman. Duffy will "focus on external management issues, including group strategy and business development, European and UK regulatory affairs, mergers and acquisitions, and other areas as part of the company’s efforts to continue the development of its growth strategy," according to an NTL press release.