MUMBAI: Nicholas Kroll has been appointed the BBC's first director of its governance unit. Kroll will set up and lead the Governors' new department which will operate by supporting the Board.

 
BBC chairman Michael Grade said, "The appointment of Nicholas Kroll to this important role marks another step forward in implementing the changes to our governance system announced in building public value.

"After a thorough and open competition, Nicholas Kroll was the Governors' unanimous choice. His intellectual rigour, broadcasting and wider public policy experience, and proven independence and objectivity will prove invaluable in setting up and directing the new governance unit."

 
The new governance unit will include a greater range of expert and independent professionals. It will advise the BBC Governors board on the conduct of their duties and scrutinise proposals coming from management.

Kroll added, "I strongly believe that the BBC's system of governance is the right system for maintaining a BBC that operates in the public interest and is independent from political and commercial pressures. The changes announced by the Board in June to modernise the way in which the Governors execute their responsibilities will ensure that British public continues to receive and enjoy the BBC it wants and deserves."

Kroll is currently the UK department of culture, media and sport COO. He will take up his appointment at the BBC on 1 October 2004.