BBC Entertainment hires creative director

BBC Entertainment has appointed Derek McLean, current head of Objective North, to its newly-created role of creative director.

McLean will drive the creative ambition and development of the entertainment department across all BBC output, as well as help to win new business.

His appointment is part of BBC head of entertainment Katie Taylor's restructure of the division since she took over in April this year.

At Objective North, McLean has helped develop a variety of hits, including John Bishop's Britain for BBC One and two new shows starring Peep Show's Robert Webb for Channel 4. Prior to that, he worked as an executive producer at Endemol.

"I'm thrilled that Derek is joining BBC in-house entertainment where with his excellent talent relationships and programme-making flair he will undoubtedly create the next innovative programme formats to delight millions of viewers," said Taylor.

McLean added: "Katie and I intend to unveil a huge banner at TVC proclaiming that the department is 'Under New Management' and I look forward to the challenge of keeping the great British public glued to their seats.

"The department is full of hugely talented people and it will be fantastic to work with them and to make great telly to entertain the nation."