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The ´óÏó´«Ã½ has today confirmed the appointment of Simon Burke as a Non-executive Director of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ 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 ´óÏó´«Ã½ Executive Board with the approval of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Trust.

Announcing the appointment, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ 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 ´óÏó´«Ã½ – 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 ´óÏó´«Ã½, 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 ´óÏó´«Ã½ 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 Home Entertainment.

Notes to Editors

The ´óÏó´«Ã½ Executive Board and ´óÏó´«Ã½ 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 ´óÏó´«Ã½ 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 ´óÏó´«Ã½'s objectives and obligations within the framework set by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ 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 ´óÏó´«Ã½ Trust.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Press Office