Evan Davis replaces Quinn on 'Today'

BBC economics editor Evan Davis is to replace Carolyn Quinn as a presenter on Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme Today when she leaves to concentrate on her other BBC roles in the spring.

"It's perhaps a bit annoying to take a break from my current job just at the very time the economy seems to be getting interesting," said Davis. "But Today is a radio institution and I'd obviously be mad to turn down a chance to present it. I tried it for two weeks over the summer, and found that if you can mentally re-classify the early mornings as late nights, they really don't seem so bad."

Today editor Ceri Thomas explained: "Evan is simply one of the outstanding BBC journalists of his generation. He's knowledgeable, surprising, and brilliantly clear-sighted when it comes to working out what really matters on the big stories. There's nobody better-qualified to present Today."

Quinn, who in addition to Today also presents The Westminster Hour and contributes to PM, said: "In recent months my energies have been increasingly split three ways between working late nights as the presenter of The Westminster Hour, early mornings on Today and afternoons on PM.

"It's been a tough decision but in order to focus on presenting The Westminster Hour full-time, now is the right moment to give up my part-time role on the Today programme.

"I've had a hugely enjoyable and fulfilling four years with the Today team, I wish them all the best for the future."