BBC2 topper takes Root
Controller is first woman to lead Brit channel
Root, 41, becomes the first woman to head a BBC channel. She will replace Mark Thompson in January, when he will be moving to the position of director of national and regional broadcasting for the pubcaster. Root will report to Alan Yentob, the BBC's director of television.
Root's responsibilities will be to lead BBC2's growth and development, and to oversee commissioning and scheduling. Root joined the BBC in 1997 after 10 years as joint managing director of the indie production company Wall to Wall.
"Jane will be a terrific controller of BBC2," Yentob said. "She has the experience and confidence to lead a channel of innovation and ambition."
