Incoming BBC Director-General Tony Hall has made the first in a series of appointments to the BBC’s senior management team.

James Purnell, currently a senior producer at Rare Day and adviser to the Boston Consulting Group, has been appointed as Director, Strategy and Digital. He will lead on developing the BBC’s strategy, in the build up to the BBC’s centenary. To that end, his remit will include running the Policy & Strategy, Digital, Public Affairs & Communications, and Marketing & Audiences divisions.

Hall also announced that following nearly five months as Acting Director-General, Tim Davie’s new role at BBC Worldwide has been expanded to incorporate a more strategic global perspective. As CEO, BBC Worldwide and Director, Global, Davie will be responsible for developing the BBC’s international brand and editorial strategy.

In addition to the appointments above, Helen Boaden will be taking up the post of Director, BBC Radio (formerly Director A&M). Boaden, who is currently Director, BBC News is a former Controller of BBC Radio 4 and had a long track record in radio before joining News.

“I am building a senior team that will define the BBC and public service broadcasting for the next decade. It will be a team that is made up of outstanding talent from outside the BBC combined with the best people from within,” said Hall. “There will be more changes over the coming months and there is a lot of hard work ahead but today’s appointments are the first steps in delivering that vision.”

The BBC will now begin the process of recruiting a new Director, BBC News, and Director, BBC Television. These posts will be advertised shortly.