Davie promoted to head BBC radio

BBC marketing chief Tim Davie has been promoted to the public broadcaster’s director of audio and music. Davie, director of marketing, communications and audiences, replaces Jenny Abramsky who is leaving to head to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It is the first time the BBC has brought someone into a programming role directly from a marketing background. He will oversee the broadcaster’s radio networks including its digital radio stations.

Davie will also be in charge of radio drama, television music entertainment and will be strategically responsible for all audio across the BBC.

Abramsky is leaving her role after having spent 39 years at the BBC. She is moving to chair the board of Heritage Lottery Fund.

Davie will not take on the role until September. It is not known who will replace him in the role.

He joined the BBC in April 2005 from PepsiCo where he was European vice-president of marketing and franchise. Davie was responsible for rebranding Pepsi in all-blue cans.