BBC boss steps down

Radio One controller 'pursuing new career opportunities'...

08:41 21 July 2011

The controller of Radio One and Radio 1Xtra, Andy Parfitt, is to leave the BBC after 13 years.

Parfitt, whose current role also incorporates the Asian Network and popular music, will leave at the end of July to pursue new career opportunities.

He led Radio One and its sister station 1Xtra to record audience figures during his stay at the network.

Parfitt told Newsbeat:

"It's a big deal for me and I feel it's the right thing for me to do".

He also spoke highly of Radio One, saying the station is currently at the top of its game:

"It's in great shape, prepared now for the world of the web and visual content.

"It's a remarkable achievement for the BBC to have a youth service that is as important and relevant now as it was back in the late 60s."

Director of Audio and Music, Tim Davie, said:

"Andy has been a fantastic controller and leaves Radio 1 in rude health - with distinctive, high quality programmes and record listening figures - having transformed the station into a fully interactive digital proposition.

"He has been an inspirational leader within the BBC and highly respected across the whole of the radio industry."

Andy's 13 years at the head of Radio One make him the station's longest service controller since its launch in 1967.