BBC Asian Network controller, Andy Parfitt to leave

Controller of the BBC Asian Network, Radio 1 and 1Xtra, Andy Parfitt has announced his departure from the station.

Andy will leave next week after 13 years in charge. Ben Cooper, the current Deputy Controller will become Acting Controller of Radio 1 and 1Xtra, meanwhile BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music boss Bob Shennan will temporarily look after the BBC Asian Network and Popular Music.

Incidentally Bob Shennan was in charge of the BBC Asian Network up until December 2007. Andy Parfitt then took over as Controller in February 2008.

Andy made the announcement to staff this morning, with Radio 1?s PR department tweeting the news shortly afterwards.

Andy was appointed Controller, BBC Radio 1, in March 1998, with extra responsibilities for BBC Popular Music and 1 Xtra being added in recent years.

He said, ���I am immensely proud to have held this position and I leave with all three stations in great shape with their listening figures at record highs and following a great BBC wide Glastonbury event. I�۪m most proud of the incredible teams I�۪m leaving behind ��� a group of talented, hardworking, creative and inspirational people who are a credit to the BBC.�۝

Tim Davie, Director, Audio & Music, said, ���Andy has been a fantastic Controller and leaves Radio 1 in rude health ��� with distinctive, high quality programmes and record listening figures ��� having transformed the station into a fully interactive digital proposition. He has been an inspirational leader within the BBC and a highly respected across the whole of the radio industry.�۝

Tim Davie will soon begin the recruitment process to appoint a new Controller.