BBC Good Food has appointed Christine Hayes as its first-ever Brand Editorial Director.

Currently Editor of olive, Christine will have responsibility for the editorial direction of the BBC Good Food brand, incorporating the magazine, website, live shows and books.

She will work closely with BBC Good Food Magazine Editor Gillian Carter and Digital Editor Hannah Williams, and will report to Chris Kerwin, Head of UK Publishing at BBC Worldwide.

Having joined BBC Worldwide eleven years ago to launch olive, Christine has more recently been involved in developing the brand’s website, app and social media channels. She takes up her new role at the end of July.

Chris Kerwin said: “We are delighted someone of Christine’s calibre is joining us at this important time in the brand’s development.

“We want to be the leading brand in all aspects of the food and drink sector and, given her relationships with talent and her experience across health, travel and reviews as well as recipes and cooking, Christine will be critical in helping us achieve our goal.”

BBC Good Food celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year and boasts a multi-platform readership of 8.8m, according to NRS PADD data.