Peter Salmon: The BBC's new director of sport

Mr Salmon takes up the new role from the beginning of November, becoming a member of the BBC's executive committee, the first time sport has been represented at the highest levels of the corporation.

Mr Dyke said: "Peter told Mark Thompson, BBC director of television, some months ago that he didn't want to continue as controller of BBC One beyond this autumn.

"It so happened we were looking for a new director of sport and Peter seemed an obvious choice."

He added: "Peter needed little persuading. He is passionate about sport, especially football, and he brings to the department great experience in programme making."

Mr Salmon said: "Short of scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup Final it doesn't come much better than this."

Short of scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup Final it doesn't come much better than this

Peter Salmon

Earlier this year BBC One was criticised by the corporation's governors in the BBC annual report.

But Mr Salmon is widely credited with having made a success of one of the toughest jobs in broadcasting.

He successfully campaigned for a budget increase of nearly �100m, which will go towards drama and comedy programmes.

Mr Dyke said: "Peter has done a good job in difficult circumstances at BBC One. This autumn's schedule, like last autumn's, is full of originality and quality and is testament to his commissioning skills."

Mr Salmon's successor as BBC One controller has not yet been announced.