Simon Burke to join BBC Executive Board

The BBC has announced the appointment of Hobbycraft chairman Simon Burke as a non-executive director on its Executive Board.

From New Year's Day, Burke will join the corporation's board as a replacement for David Robbie, whose term has come to an end.

Alongside Hobbycraft, Burke is also the chairman of Irish supermarket chain Superquinn and a trustee of the National Gallery. Previously, he was either chief executive or chairman of Virgin Entertainment Group, Hamleys, Majestic Wine and Total Home Entertainment.

Announcing the appointment, BBC director general Mark Thompson said: "I'm extremely pleased that someone with Simon's background will now be able to contribute to the effectiveness of the Executive Board.

"The addition of non-executives to our board has had many benefits for the BBC - the experience they have brought with them from such varied areas of industry has been invaluable.

"It's the combination of his experience in the entertainment industry with a proven commitment to culture and public service that makes Simon's appointment such a great asset for the BBC, and I am looking forward to working with him."

Burke added: "I'm both delighted and privileged to be able to play a part in helping the BBC to deliver its objectives and rise to the challenges that lie ahead."

Burke joins various other high-profile figures on the BBC Executive Board, including Robert Webb QC, Dr Mike Lynch OBE and Val Gooding CBE. The Board oversees the effective delivery of the BBC's objectives within a framework set out by the BBC Trust.