The BBC executive in charge of piloting the axed proposals for local online video content has been appointed as the corporation's new controller of English regions.

David Holdsworth, the current deputy controller, will take up the role immediately after stepping into the role in an acting capacity in September.

He replaces Andy Griffee, who has been appointed as editorial director of the BBC's Project W1, which will create the world's largest live news broadcasting hub at the redeveloped Broadcasting House centre in London.

In his new role, Holdsworth will oversee 12 BBC English regional centres producing daily news programmes and bulletins, the current affairs strand Inside Out, the regional segments in Sunday's The Politics Show and other landmark and special regional programming.

He will also be responsible for 40 local radio stations and a network of 44 BBC Local websites.

The BBC's director of news, Helen Boaden, said: "David's commitment to editorial excellence, connecting to all audiences and getting the best out of people shines through. His energy and integrity will be greatly appreciated."

Holdsworth, a former head of regional and local programmes for BBC West Midlands, added: "It's a great time to be working at the heart of local broadcasting as the BBC seeks to better reflect the nations, regions and communities of the United Kingdom.

"My challenge will be to ensure that the BBC remains a relevant high-quality local broadcaster for future generations."

Holdsworth would have also been in charge of the BBC's planned network of 65 local video websites, before the project was axed by the BBC Trust last month.

Following heavy criticism from local newspaper groups, the £68m initiative was killed off by the BBC Trust's chairman, Sir Michael Lyons, who told the corporation's management to concentrate instead on "improving the quality of existing services".

Holdsworth had been in charge of piloting the initiative over the past year.

After the BBC local video project was axed, he said: "It has been an exhaustive process, so I respect the decision made by the Trust.

"I still believe broadband is important to deliver content at a local level but I will, of course, take up the challenge offered by the trust to improve local news delivery via regional TV services."

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