BBC scores a first as woman is named director of sport

THE BBC named its first female director of sport yesterday.

Barbara Slater, currently head of sport production at the corporation, will take over from Roger Mosey, who has been made BBC director of London 2012.

In addition to directing BBC coverage of major sporting events, Mrs Slater will oversee the sport department's move from London to Salford.

Originally from Birmingham, Mrs Slater joined the BBC in 1983 after a successful career as an international gymnast, which included competing in the 1976 Olympic Games.

She said: "I am thrilled to lead BBC Sport at such an exciting and challenging time, that includes leading the division to its new home at the heart of BBC North and also ensuring BBC Sport plays its part in making the 2012 Games the success they deserve to be."