British broadcasting company BBC News on Thursday has appointed ex-NBC news executive Deborah Turness as the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs.

She will join the BBC from ITN, where she served as CEO.

At the BBC, Turness is the first executive to have a ‘CEO’ title for news. She will have the responsibility for a team of around 6,000 people, broadcasting to almost half a billion people across the world in more than 40 languages, reported by The Variety.

The BBC has said the CEO title reflects its ambition “to continue to build the BBC’s global news brand and continue to grow its news services, which are now reaching a record 456 million people worldwide.”

Turness will also be nominated to join the corporation’s board.

Prior to joining NBC News, Turness was editor of ITV News, where she was their first female editor and the youngest editor of ITV News.

During her tenure, the outfit won an Emmy and three consecutive BAFTA awards, as well as several RTS Program of the Year awards.

She also completed a mini-MBA course at Ashridge Business School while in the role.

On the appointment, BBC Director-General Tim Davie said, “Deborah brings a wealth of experience, insight, first-class editorial judgment, and a strong track record of delivery.”

“She is a passionate advocate for the power of impartial journalism and a great believer in the BBC and the role we play, in the U.K. and globally. She will do a brilliant job of leading our news and current affairs as we deliver on the BBC’s public service mission in the digital age,” Davie added.

Speaking on her new role, Deborah said, “In the U.K. and around the world there has never been a greater need for the BBC’s powerful brand of impartial, trusted journalism. It is a great privilege to be asked to lead and grow BBC News at a time of accelerated digital growth and innovation when its content is reaching more global consumers on more platforms than ever before.”