Hindell joined the BBC from the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1988. Her radio productions have won many awards including a Sony Gold, Writers' Guild Award, the BT Award, the Richard Imison Award and a Gold Medal at the New York Radio Festival. She has directed more than 200 radio plays ranging from nternational co-productions to domestic soap. She said: "I am thrilled to be taking up this position and look forward to working with such a highly talented team of producers to create memorable radio drama for the networks."

BBC creative director Alan Yentob said, "Alison brings to the radio department her immense experience as a talented director and producer and the creative leadership required to continue the drive for innovation across the breadth and diversity of the radio drama output."