MUMBAI: Katie Taylor has been appointed BBC Comedy Entertainment executive editor. Taylor will join the commissioning team next month from Channel 4, where she has held the role of Commissioning Editor, Comedy & Entertainment, since January 2002.

She has enjoyed successes in developing, commissioning and managing performer-led entertainment programmes. These include V Graham Norton; Derren Brown – Trick of the Mind and The Messiah and David Blaine – Above the Below.

Before joining Channel 4 in 1995, Katie worked in production and research for indies and the BBC. This newly-created role will have a clear brief for sourcing the best ideas across an identifiable part of the slate, with a dedicated development budget. Taylor will work with both independent and in-house programme makers. Reporting to BBC controller of entertainment commissioning Jane Lush the appointment is part of the latest commissioning team changes in response to the recent Content Supply, Out of London and Value for Money reviews - heralding a true meritocracy of commissioning.

Lush said, " Her great track record in comedy entertainment formats will enhance our ability to get the very best programmes on all of our channels." Taylor said, "I'm very excited by the challenge of commissioning modern, witty and must-see comedy and entertainment formats, and bringing fresh talent both on and off screen to the BBC."