Kim Shillinglaw named BBC2 and BBC4 controller

Kim ShillinglawThe new BBC Two and BBC Four controller has been announced as Kim Shillinglaw; she replaces Janice Hadlow.

In her new position, Shillinglaw will be in charge of the strategic and creative direction of BBC Two, while collaborating closely with BBC Four to keep the two channels working in harmony. She will also sit on BBC Television's board.

Shillinglaw comes straight from her role as head of science and natural history commissioning for the BBC, where she ordered and oversaw a wide range of genre programming, including factual drama The Challenger and the much-acclaimed Frozen Planet.

She said of her new role: "BBC Two has always been one of the most creative channels in the world, with a huge range of quality programming. I'm delighted and honoured by the prospect of working with the best of our British talent and programme makers; I look forward to taking it and BBC Four to the next phase of great, thought-provoking and lively TV for British audiences."

Danny Cohen, BBC's director of television, added: "Kim has proved herself to be an exceptional creative at the BBC. She has an eye for scale and the bigger picture and seeks out distinctive, high-quality ideas. BBC Two is in fantastic shape and I'm looking forward to seeing the channel blossom further under Kim's leadership."

Shillinglaw replaces Janice Hadlow, who is now controller of special projects and seasons.