The managing director of Smooth Radio in the Midlands, is to leave the business at the end of this month.

Phil Dixon's role, which involved responsibility for both of Smooth's radio stations in the region, is to be made redundant and will be replaced by two new posts.

Andy Carter, who was managing director of Smooth Radio in London during its launch, will become MD of Smooth Radio in the West Midlands as well as heading up sister station Real Radio in Wales,

Samantha Fielding, currently director of Nottingham-based Let's Talk Marketing, will take up the position of station director at Smooth Radio in the East Midlands.

The position of sales director, held by Paul Cranwell, has also been made redundant. Mr Cranwell has left the company with immediate effect.

Mr Dixon said his departure from Smooth, which is owned by the Guardian Media Group (GMG), was amicable.

He added: "When GMG bought out Saga Radio and converted it to Smooth, it was always made clear that the management structure would be reassessed.

"I had suggested that both stations in the Midlands would be better served by their own directors who could oversee growth.

"I am 55 years old and have been working in commercial radio since 1978. It was always my intention to stop working full time by 56 and do something different. I am leaving a little earlier, but the redundancy really came at an opportune moment."

Mr Dixon added that he was already exploring a number of opportunities outside of the commercial radio sector.

GMG Radio acquired Saga Radio in February 2007 and rebranded it as Smooth Radio in March - targeting a market of adults aged 40 and above across the Midlands.

Mr Carter, who has already taken up his position at Smooth Radio's Hagley Road-based studios will focus on the integration of the station's new on-air schedule and creating new commercial opportunities for advertisers.

He said: "I'm delighted to be back on my home patch. Smooth Radio will be the success story of the decade and I'm convinced we have the strongest line-up of personalities of any commercial station in the region." :