91Èȱ¬

The 91Èȱ¬ has appointed Julian Payne as Head of Communications for 91Èȱ¬ Vision. He is currently Head of Communications for 91Èȱ¬ One & Fiction. He succeeds Paul Almond, who has been promoted to become the 91Èȱ¬'s first Head of Digital Communications. Both will report to Ed Williams, Director of Communications, and will join the 91Èȱ¬ Communications Steering Group.

The appointments follow the decision by Ed Williams to restructure the department.

In his new role Julian will lead the communications teams for the 91Èȱ¬'s television channels and services and genre teams in drama, knowledge, comedy & entertainment and 91Èȱ¬ Films. With responsibility for all external communications activity in the division, he will provide strategic communications counsel to Jana Bennett, the Director of 91Èȱ¬ Vision, and her senior team.

Paul Almond will be responsible for leading 91Èȱ¬ Communications' engagement in digital communications and social media. His new unit will include the 91Èȱ¬ Future Media & Technology communications team and a new social media manager, who is to be recruited, as well as 91Èȱ¬ Communications' web publishing operation.

After three years in the press office at BSkyB, Julian Payne began his career at the 91Èȱ¬ as Head of Communications for Radio 1 & 1Xtra before moving over to run the Elstree press team with responsibility for continuing drama series, including EastEnders.

In 2005 Julian left the 91Èȱ¬ to become a partner at Henry's House PR agency, specialising in entertainment clients such as Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment, Channel 4, ITV and Virgin. He was appointed Head of Communications for 91Èȱ¬ One in 2008.

Paul Almond began his career as a publicist for 91Èȱ¬ Music & Arts and Youth Programmes under Alan Yentob and Janet Street-Porter. He became a senior publicist at 91Èȱ¬ Films in 2001, and was appointed Publicity Manager, 91Èȱ¬ Drama, the following year.

In 2005, he moved to 91Èȱ¬ Three as Publicity Manager, and the following year was promoted to Head of Communications, 91Èȱ¬ Future Media & Digital. He took up his present role as Head of Communications, 91Èȱ¬ Vision, in 2008.

Announcing the appointments, Ed Williams, Director of Communications, 91Èȱ¬, said: "I am particularly pleased that two individuals with such a strong and impressive track record in television and communications have accepted senior roles within our new Communications team. These are very important roles within the 91Èȱ¬ and I believe Paul and Julian will bring energy, ideas and excellent judgement to them."

Julian Payne said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity of leading the highly-talented communications team at 91Èȱ¬ Vision. The 91Èȱ¬'s range of television channels and services offer fantastic opportunities for communicators and I look forward to working closely with Jana Bennett and her team to ensure that viewers are aware of all that is on offer."

Paul Almond said: "This is the most exciting time for communications and the possibilities being offered by digital and social media. I am looking forward to delivering a new approach to communications and harnessing the full potential of the 91Èȱ¬ in this area."

91Èȱ¬ Press Office