WASHINGTON: Former Federal Communications Commission chairman and AOL executive Dennis Patrick has been named president of National Geographic Ventures. He will assume office on 6 January 2003.

A former chairman of the FCC, president of AOL Wireless, CEO of Time Warner Telecommunications and, most recently, president and CEO of Patrick Communications and Doeg Hill Ventures LLC, Patrick is a trustee of the boards of the National Geographic Society and National Geographic Ventures. He will give up his seat on the Society's board when he assumes his new responsibilities. He succeeds Richard Allen, who has been appointed president and CEO of Vulcan Sports Media.

Patrick said, "The combination of its world-class brand, key assets and most importantly its talented employees gives the organisation unlimited potential in a number of existing and emerging markets."