Bob Shennan New Radio 2 Boss

Bob Shennan has been appointed Controller, BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music following the resignation of Lesley Douglas who quit over the Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross farce.

Bob, who previously was head of the Channel 4 radio division and Controller of Radio 5 Live, will join the BBC in February and will report to Tim Davie, the BBC‘s Director of Audio & Music.

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 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, 5 Live Sports Extra and also had managerial responsibility for the BBC Asian Network. Prior to taking the helm at Five Live, Shennan held a variety of senior roles in the BBC including Head of Sport.

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.”

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

Former Radio 2 and 6 Music boss Lesley Douglas quit the BBC after taking responsibility for the Brand Ross issues last year which saw them insult a ‘satanic slut’. Douglas had been with Radio 2 since 2003 and was credited with making the station one of the most popular in the UK.