The head of Channel 4's entertainment channel E4 Julian Bellamy has been named the new controller of BBC3.
Julian Bellamy takes over from Stuart Murphy, who launched the youth-orientated digital channel two years ago.
Mr Murphy was poached by RDF Media, the maker of Channel 4' s Wife Swap, becoming the latest in a series of senior BBC executives to quit for the independent sector.
New BBC3 controller Mr Bellamy, aged 35, who is also head of Channel 4's factual entertainment commissioning, joins the BBC in the new year.
BBC3 has made its name pioneering comedy hits such as Little Britain, The Mighty Boosh and Nighty Night.
He began his career producing and directing documentaries for Dispatches and ITV's The Big Story and was commissioning editor for Big Brother from 2001.
BBC director of television Jana Bennett said: "His dual experience as both a commissioning editor of factual entertainment and innovative shows like Big Brother - and of running a mixed genre channel --will bring a new dynamic to BBC3 as it evolves, grows and meets ever-changing audience expectations."
Mr Bellamy said: "I'm really looking forward to working with Jana to take BBC3 to a new level for audiences and exploring new ideas that will ensure the channel continues to innovate, develop and create real excitement."
Mr Murphy was poached by RDF Media, the maker of Channel 4' s Wife Swap, becoming the latest in a series of senior BBC executives to quit for the independent sector.
