CEO of BBC News Deborah Turness says: “John is a hugely creative talent, with excellent editorial judgement. He’s a leading programme innovator who has a deep understanding of how to connect with audiences, and will ensure they get the value they deserve from BBC News. It’s wonderful to welcome him back to the BBC.”

John McAndrew says: “It’s an enormous privilege to be returning to BBC News and putting my experience to good use at the world’s most brilliant, creative, and trusted broadcaster, at a time when trust, truth and transparency are at an absolute premium.”

John McAndrew has more than 25 years’ experience of frontline news and current affairs, having worked in senior roles for the BBC, Sky News, GB News, ITN and NBC International.

He was most recently the launch editor of The Andrew Neil Show at Channel 4. Before this he spent a year as Editorial Director and Director of News and Programmes at GB News and three years as a Consulting Executive at NBC News International.

During more than a decade at Sky News, John launched multiple programmes and formats, including The Pledge and Boulton & Co; was executive producer for Sky’s election coverage and Leaders’ Debate in 2010; worked as the Head of International News, and went on to become Executive Editor and Director of Content (on all platforms).

John began his news career in the BBC’s political unit, and went on to a number of BBC producer and editor roles, including launching and editing the Daily Politics on BBC Two.

The Director of News Programmes role sits on the BBC News Board and reports directly to Deborah Turness. It replaces the role of Senior Controller, Programmes and Commissioning.

John McAndrew will start his job in the new year.