91Èȱ¬

The 91Èȱ¬ has today confirmed the appointment of Simon Burke as a Non-executive Director of the 91Èȱ¬ Executive Board. Mr Burke will join the board from 1 January 2011. He replaces David Robbie, whose term came to an end earlier this month.

The appointment has been made by the 91Èȱ¬ Executive Board with the approval of the 91Èȱ¬ Trust.

Announcing the appointment, the 91Èȱ¬ 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 91Èȱ¬ – 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 91Èȱ¬, and I am looking forward to working with him."

Simon Burke said: "I'm both delighted and privileged to be able to play a part in helping the 91Èȱ¬ to deliver its objectives and rise to the challenges that lie ahead."

Simon Burke is currently a Trustee of the National Gallery, the Chairman of Hobbycraft, the arts and crafts retailer, and Chairman of the Irish supermarket chain Superquinn. His previous positions include chief executive or chairman roles for Virgin Entertainment Group, Hamleys PLC, Majestic Wine PLC and Total 91Èȱ¬ Entertainment.

Notes to Editors

The 91Èȱ¬ Executive Board and 91Èȱ¬ Trust were constituted under the new governance arrangements set out in the Royal Charter and Agreement which came into effect on 1 January 2007.

The 91Èȱ¬ Executive Board includes a number of Non-executive Directors – Robert Webb QC, Dr Mike Lynch OBE, Val Gooding CBE and Marcus Agius.

The Board oversees the effective delivery of the 91Èȱ¬'s objectives and obligations within the framework set by the 91Èȱ¬ Trust.

Appointments to the Board are made in accordance with procedures laid down in the Charter and Agreement and, in the case of Non-executive Directors and the Director-General, are subject to the approval of the 91Èȱ¬ Trust.

91Èȱ¬ Press Office