A senior former BBC executive is to be the new head of Cardiff’s renowned journalism training centre.

Richard Sambrook, former BBC director of global news, will join the Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies (Jomec) as director of the Centre for Journalism from September.

It marks a return to South Wales for Richard who started his career on the Merthyr Express, Pontypridd Observer and the South Wales Echo.

A producer and editor on many national radio and TV programmes, he ran the BBC’s newsgathering operations for five years and also served on the BBC Management Board for ten years.

Richard’s 30-year career in journalism at the BBC culminated in 2004 when he moved from director of news to become director of global news until 2010.

He joins the school from Edelman PR, where he has been working as a senior media consultant on media relations for a range of leading national and international companies and media brands.

Head of School Professor Justin Lewis commented:  “We’re delighted to have Richard Sambrook join us at Cardiff. Richard is a leading figure in British journalism, one who is highly respected not just in the UK but around the world.

“The School is committed to developing high quality and innovative approaches to journalism in uncertain times, and Richard will play a leading role in that endeavour.”

Richard led the steering group which established the BBC College of Journalism, which required working closely with accrediting bodies such as the BJTC and the NCTJ, who currently accredit the school’s broadcast and newspaper courses respectively.

He takes over from Professor Richard Tait, who has been director of the Centre for Journalism since 2003. Professor Tait will now concentrate on his research interests.