Mr Lee launched BBC America six years ago

Paul Lee, the station's chief executive officer, is to take up the role of president of the ABC Family network.

Mr Lee, 43, launched BBC America in 1998 and helped build it to its current status as one of the fastest-growing cable channels - now in 38m US homes.

This year its star programme, The Office, won two prestigious Golden Globes for show creator Ricky Gervais.

Mr Lee joined the BBC in 1984 and worked as a producer, executive producer, and later channel editor for BBC Prime.

BBC America airs a number of British sitcoms such as Absolutely Fabulous, My Family and Keeping Up Appearances.

Backlash

It is also showing dramas such as State of Play, Murphy's Law and Jonathan Creek, and lifestyle shows including What Not To Wear and The Life Laundry.

It faced a backlash from a dedicated group of EastEnders fans last year after the soap was axed because of poor ratings.

Jana Benett, director of BBC Television, said: "Paul has been instrumental in delivering the very best of British culture and creativity to American audiences since the launch of BBC America five years ago and naturally I am sad to see him leave.