BBC head of news James Harding has brought in his old deputy at The Times Keith Blackmore to the newly-created job of managing editor BBC News.
Blackmore left The Times after 26 years at the paper last August some eight months after Harding was ousted as Times editor.
In his new job Blackmore will have responsibility for managing and negotiating contracts for senior journalists and presenters, editorial projects and career development for journalists.
He said: "I am excited and pleased to be joining the BBC. I come with respect for its commitment to the highest standards in journalism, with admiration for the quality of its work and with enthusiasm at the prospect of working with people across News and Current Affairs.”
It has also been announced that former deputy editor of ITV News Jonathan Munro is to be the new BBC head of newsgathering – in charge of the day-to-day activity and deployments of all journalists.
Harding said: “I’m delighted that Jonathan and Keith are joining the BBC. We are lucky to have them. Jonathan has an exceptional range of experience and a huge reputation in broadcasting – and as a competitor he has given us a run for our money more often than we would have liked. When I left The Times I said that all the good things that had happened while I was there were chiefly Keith’s doing. I know that he will bring to the BBC his sound judgment and gift for bringing out the best in people.”
A BBC spokesman said of the managing editor position: "The normal recruitment process was undertaken, and the position was externally advertised."
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