MUMBAI: UK pubcaster BBC has appointed Val Gooding as an additional non-executive director to the executive board. Gooding joins the board on 1 January 2008.

The appointment has been made by the BBC Executive Board with the approval of the BBC Trust. BBC DG Mark Thompson says, "I am delighted that someone of Val Gooding's calibre has agreed to join us as a non-executive director. Her impressive track record both in general management in large organisations and in bringing customer focus to decision-making will complement the contribution made by the other non-executive directors."

Gooding said, "I am looking forward to making a contribution to BBC at this time of significant change and opportunity."

Gooding has been chief executive of UK health insurer Bura since 1998 and is also a non-executive board member of Standard Chartered and J Sainsbury.