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Bob Shennan has been appointed Controller, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 2 and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ 6 Music.

He will join the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in February and will report to Tim Davie, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's Director of Audio & Music.

In his new role, Bob – previously head of the Channel 4 radio division and Controller, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 5 Live – will lead Radio 2, the nation's most popular station, and sister station 6 Music, a digital-only network offering popular music from the Sixties to the present day.

Tim Davie welcomed the appointment, saying: "Bob is an outstanding leader with extensive radio experience and a proven track record in station management. Bob's energy, enthusiasm and passion for Radio 2 will ensure that the station remains creative and vibrant, and continues to offer unique programmes to the widest possible audience."

Bob Shennan said: "Radio 2 is the cornerstone of UK radio. 6 Music is at the forefront of digital radio. It is a privilege to be asked to lead the extraordinary creative forces of both stations."

Bob was Director of Radio at Channel 4 from April 2008, where he led the strategic planning for Channel 4's diversification into radio, defining and developing three new radio station concepts as brand extensions within Channel 4 (E4 Radio/4Music Radio/Channel 4 Radio).

Previously, he was Controller of Radio 5 Live from 2000 to 2008. Under his leadership, it reached a record audience of just under seven million listeners.

He oversaw the launch of sister network, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ 5 Live Sports Extra and also had managerial responsibility for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Asian Network.

Prior to taking the helm at Five Live, Shennan held a variety of senior roles in the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ including Head of Sport.

In this role he was responsible for overseeing all sport on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Two, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News 24, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ National and Local radio and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's Sport Online.

He is Deputy Chair, Fellow and Trustee of the Radio Academy and was educated at Cambridge University and Lancaster Royal Grammar School.

Radio 2 encompasses a broader range of listening than any other music station in the UK – from rock and roll to organ music, folk, jazz and country – combining this with extensive religious programming, music-inspired comedy, musical theatre, music documentaries and insightful examinations of contemporary issues in daily mainstream news and current affairs shows.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ 6 Music brings together the cutting edge music of today, the iconic and groundbreaking music of the past 40 years and unlimited access to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's music archive. Its presenters include Steve Lamacq, Stephen Merchant, George Lamb, Guy Garvey and Adam and Joe.

JA