Gwyneth Williams named Radio 4 controller

BBC World Service English director Gwyneth Williams has been named the new controller of BBC Radio 4 and Radio 7.

Williams will start her new role in September, replacing Mark Damazer, who is leaving to become Head of St Peter's College at Oxford University. She will report directly to BBC director audio & music Tim Davie.

Since joining the corporation in 1976, Williams has built an extensive pedigree in radio production, including substantial work on the corporation's current affairs output.

At BBC World Service English, where she has been a director since July 2007, Williams has overseen all the BBC's international radio programmes in English for over 40m listeners around the world.

Prior to that, she led BBC Radio's current affairs department producing shows such as File On 4, From Our Own Correspondent, 5 Live Report, Money Box and In Business.

Between 1994 and 1996, Williams oversaw the launch of current affairs programmes on BBC Radio 5 Live as the BBC's editor of policy and social programmes.

She has also previously held senior editorial roles on various Radio 4 programmes, including The World Tonight and The Week In Westminster.

"Gwyneth is an editorial leader of the highest calibre and a passionate supporter of Radio 4," said Davie.

"She brings vast broadcasting experience, tremendous intelligence and a fresh perspective to one of the biggest jobs in broadcasting, and I look forward to working with her in building on Mark Damazer's success."

Williams added: "Radio 4 represents the BBC at its best: it is loved and trusted and stands above all for quality. It is a privilege and honour to be asked to lead the network through the next stage of its evolution.

"I am hugely looking forward to working with so many talented programme-makers, each with a unique contribution to make. I want to ensure that this creativity shows on air and delights and inspires our listeners."

Prior to joining the BBC, Williams worked as a research assistant at the Overseas Development Institute and published two books on Southern Africa and Third World political organisations.