MUMBAI: After a stint of eight years, BBC director of television Danny Cohen has stepped from his post to pursue a new leadership challenge.

Cohen will leave the pubcaster at the end of November. BBC controller of entertainment commissioning Mark Linsey will take on his responsibilities until an appointment is made. 

Cohen said, "After eight wonderful years at the BBC, it is time for my next big challenge. BBC Television is on brilliant creative form. I feel very privileged to have led television for the world's finest public service broadcaster and to have worked with so many smart and talented people. In particular, I'd like to thank my fantastic team across BBC Television, all the people who have been involved with making our programmes in the last few years, my colleagues on the Executive Board and Tony Hall, who I admire greatly.” 

"In the last few weeks I've been approached about a number of exciting opportunities and I want to consider these in an open and transparent way. There has never been a more exciting time for television and digital media. I'm looking forward to taking up a new leadership role in this age of intense creative and technological innovation,” he added. 

BBC director general Tony Hall said, “Danny has done an extraordinary job over the last eight years at the BBC. In a world of intense competition and choice, he has further enhanced the BBC's reputation for quality programming that is full of ambition and creativity. Danny has led the incredible resurgence of drama on the BBC, having commissioned or overseen shows like Happy Valley, Poldark, Last Tango In Halifax, Wolf Hall, Top Of The Lake, Peaky Blinders, Doctor Who and the forthcoming Dickensian and War And Peace. He has also made an outstanding contribution to comedy and entertainment, with shows such as Cradle To Grave, Peter Kay's Car Share, Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders and The Graham Norton Show. He also led BBC One's 2012 London Olympics coverage. That is one hell of a CV.”

"He is one of TV’s great talents. I know everyone who has worked with Danny has huge admiration for what he has delivered for the BBC. I want to wish him well for the future,” Hall added.