The BBC has appointed ITN chief executive Deborah Turness as its CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs.

Turness, who effectively takes on one of the most high-profile news roles in the U.K., takes over from Fran Unsworth. The latter 40-year BBC veteran revealed in September that she would be stepping down at the end of January.

BBC chief executive Tim Davie praised Turness as bringing a “wealth of experience, insight, first-class editorial judgement, and a strong track record of delivery.”

“She is a passionate advocate for the power of impartial journalism and a great believer in the BBC and the role we play, in the U.K. and globally,” continued Davie. “She will do a brilliant job of leading our news and current affairs as we deliver on the BBC’s public service mission in the digital age.”

Turness added: “In the U.K. and around the world, there has never been a greater need for the BBC’s powerful brand of impartial, trusted journalism. It is a great privilege to be asked to lead and grow BBC News at a time of accelerated digital growth and innovation, when its content is reaching more global consumers on more platforms than ever before.”

Turness, who will be paid £400,000 ($550,000) per year in the role, will oversee a team of around 6,000 people.

Recent figures show that eight out of ten U.K. adults use BBC News every week.

More to come.

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