City man becomes first BBC non-exec director

Marcus Agius, currently chairman in London of the investment bank Lazard, and chairman-designate of Barclays Plc, has been appointed to the BBC's new Executive Board.

Agius joined Lazard, which he will retire from this year, in 1972, becoming chairman of Lazard London in 2001. He was also a chairman of BAA Plc, joining Barclays in 2006 as a non-executive director. He will become chairman of Barclays Plc next year.

This first appointment, which sees Agius become senior independent director, was approved by the BBC Trust this week.

The new Executive Board will be responsible for the operational management of the BBC. The BBC say a further four non-executive directors will be appointed by the end of the year, making up a "significant minority" of the board.

The BBC Trustees have formally approved the appointment of the BBC director-general Mark Thompson, as chairman of the Executive Board.

Announcing the appointment of Agius, Thompson said: "I am confident that he will bring a new perspective and challenge to our decision-making which will help us to deliver effectively through the next Charter period."

Mark Byford, deputy director-general of the BBC, will also serve as deputy chairman of the Executive Board.