BBC appoints R2, 6 Music network manager

The BBC has appointed former Electric Proms director Lorna Clarke to the newly-created role of network manager for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.

From today, Clarke has taken over responsibility for strategy and finance at the two stations, along with their commercial and creative development.

Clarke takes over the duties of Antony Bellekom, the former Radio 2 and 6 Music managing director who left the corporation in March. She will report directly to controller of Radio 2 and 6 Music Bob Shennan.

"Lorna has an outstanding talent and thorough knowledge of the industry gained by working in UK radio in a career spanning 25 years so I'm thrilled that she is bringing her formidable expertise to Radio 2 and 6 Music," said Shennan.

Clarke added: "Radio 2 and 6 Music are two distinctive networks which are going from strength to strength creatively and I'm delighted to be joining the team at this extremely exciting time."

For the past four years, Clarke has helped establish the Radio 2 Electric Proms as a major part of the UK's live music calendar. Prior to that, she held senior programme development roles at BBC Radio 1 and spinoff station 1Xtra.

Aside from her work at the BBC, Clarke has also judged the Sony Radio Academy Awards and the Mercury Music Prize.

Jeff Smith, head of music at Radio 2 and 6 Music, will now lead the Radio 2 Electric Proms with help from his live music team.