Danny Cohen named new BBC One controller

Cohen replaces the outgoing controller Jay Hunt

BBC Three controller Danny Cohen has been appointed the new controller of BBC One.

Making the announcement, Jana Bennett, director BBC Vision, described Cohen as "one of the most talented TV executives of his generation".

The 36-year-old replaces Jay Hunt, who announced last month that she was leaving the corporation to become chief creative officer at Channel 4.

Cohen said it was "a huge privilege" to take up the role.

"I feel honoured to have this opportunity," he said.

"BBC One is one of the nation's great cultural institutions and I'm looking forward to working with a wonderful range of talented people in the coming years."

Cohen took over BBC Three in May 2007 after leaving Channel 4 as the head of factual entertainment and E4.

Under his leadership, BBC Three was named digital channel of the year at the Edinburgh TV Festival in two out of the last three years.

During his time at Channel 4, he commissioned youth drama Skins, comedies The Inbetweeners and Fonejacker, Supernanny and the documentary strand Cutting Edge.

Jana Bennett said: "His work both here at the BBC and at Channel 4... attest to his skills as an innovator and a great creative thinker."

Cohen is to take up his new role with immediate effect.