MUMBAI: UK pubcaster The BBC has appointed Ben Wilson to the new role of deputy head of press in the BBC Press Office.

Reporting to head of press Donald Steel, Wilson will be a senior spokesman for the pubcaster, working across the BBC's corporate and other communications activities.

Wilson is currently the head of news at the department for communities and local government, and will take up his new post later in the Spring. He succeeds Sarah Williams, who left at the end of last year to take up a senior role in BBC Worldwide.

Steel said, "I am delighted to have someone of Ben's calibre join the BBC Press Office team. He has wide experience and an outstanding track record and will bring much to one of the busiest press offices in the country."

Wilson said, "I am delighted to be joining the BBC – a broadcaster valued by the British public and a leader in innovation both at home and abroad. These are exciting and challenging times for the BBC and I look forward to playing a part in its future."