Evan Davis is leaving Radio 4’ Today programme to step into Jeremy Paxman’s shoes as lead presenter on Newsnight.
Paxman signed off for the last time after 25 years on Newsnight last month.
Former BBC economics editor Davis joined the roster of Today presenters in 2008. He also presents BBC2 entertainment show Dragon’s Den.
He joins the existing team of Kirsty Wark, Emily Maitlis and Laura Kuenssberg, who will all continue to present the show.
Newsnight editor Ian Katz said: "Evan brings a rare combination of curiosity, intelligence and mischief to his broadcasting – just the qualities I want Newsnight to be known for. I've admired him from afar as a listener and viewer for years and I'm thrilled that he's joining us to help reinvent the show where he made his name in the Nineties."
Davis said: "I can't deny that I feel terribly sad to be leaving the Today programme. I have been there for over six years and those have been some of the most satisfying of my career. That programme is put together by remarkably few people, and I can't praise them highly enough for their professionalism and companionship.
“But at the same time, how could I turn down the offer of this role on Newsnight, treading in the footsteps of some of the best television presenters in the business? While it is a scary prospect, it will be an adventure and a challenge, and I hope the viewers will be happy with the result.”
Toady editor Jamie Angus said: “No-one has done more than Evan to define the current sound of Today. All the team and our audiences will miss his endless enthusiasm and original editorial insight, and we all wish him the best in his new role at Newsnight."
Davis is the latest new appointment since Katz became Newsnight editor last September. Others include: Laura Kuenssberg, policy editor Chris Cook, economics correspondent Duncan Weldon, special correspondent Katie Razzall and investigations correspondent Nick Hopkins.
Today will continue with its current five presenters: John Humphrys, Jim Naughtie, Sarah Montague, Mishal Husain and Justin Webb.
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