He will be succeeded as the director of BBC News by Helen Boaden who is currently the controller of Radio 4 and BBC 7. Boaden will be responsible for all UK-wide news and current affairs across radio, television and new media and for all BBC News staff, including news gathering.

They take up their new appointments in September. They will both be members of the BBC's new Journalism Board, reporting to BBC Deputy DG Mark Byford. BBC's DG Mark Thompson said, "Richard and Helen are the right people to lead these two vital parts of the BBC's journalism in the future as we continue to strengthen and develop our output both in the UK and around the world."

Sambrook said, "I have devoted my professional life to BBC journalism so I'm delighted to have the opportunity to lead the BBC's international news services at such a crucial time for audiences around the world. To take the great strengths and heritage of the World Service and build on them across radio, TV and new media will be an enormous challenge and a great privilege."

The BBC has also confirmed the appointment of Nigel Chapman as the director of the World Service. He will report to Sambrook on all World Service activities.