BARB chief executive to leave at end of 2012

The chief executive of BARB is to step down at the end of 2012 after nine years of service at the audience measurement body.

Bjarne Thelin has decided to leave the firm to explore "new initiatives" and also give some more attention to "ideas inspired by his Christian faith".

He has been at BARB, the official body which collects viewing data on UK television programmes, for the past nine years, overseeing the organisation during a time when TV consumption has been revolutionised by the growth of digital devices.

"It has been a huge responsibility overseeing this service and I'm proud of the reputation for quality, objectivity and dependability that BARB has," said Thelin.

"We've been proactive in seeking development and are pursuing a world-leading vision to help the industry understand itself and its viewers better.

"It's now time for me to give some more attention to ideas inspired by my Christian faith as well as explore other new initiatives, and consider something more creative or entrepreneurial."

BARB chairman Nigel Walmsley said: "When he leaves, Bjarne will have completed nine years of service. We will be sorry to see him go as he has made a huge contribution, but we understand his desire to do something different and he has given us ample time to plan forward for succession and handover."

There has been no indication yet as to who will replace Thelin as chief executive of BARB.

> TV viewing via PC, tablet on the increase, says BARB study