Global Radio chairman Charles Allen has joined the board of Virgin Media as an independent non-executive director.

Allen, who made his return to the TV industry on Monday by joining the board of Endemol, quit as ITV's chief executive in August 2006, shortly before Virgin Media - in its NTL Telewest guise - confirmed it was seeking to merge with the broadcaster.

John Rigsby, formerly president of US cable operator Bright House Networks' Floridian operations, will also join the board of Virgin Media.

"With the appointment of Charles and John to our Board, we have added further world class experience and expertise to our team," said Virgin Media chairman Jim Mooney. "Charles brings unrivaled experience in the UK media sector from his 15 years leading the UK's key commercial broadcast companies and John brings extensive experience from both the telecoms and cable sectors."