Digital Radio UK, the company responsible for preparing the UK for digital radio switchover, has appointed Laurence Harrison (pictured) as operations director.

Mr Harrison joins from Intellect, the body representing the UK's technology industry, where he was director of consumer electronics.

He worked on the Government's Digital Action Plan for TV, has been a board director of Digital UK, the company leading the UK's digital TV switchover, since it was formed and, for the last four years, has chaired the Digital TV supply chain group.

Mr Harrison also represented manufacturers on the Digital Radio Working Group in 2008 and worked closely with Lord Carter's team on the radio elements of the Digital Britain report. 
 Before joining Intellect, he managed the European IT Services Association and worked for the Confederation of British Industry in its small business unit.

In his new role, he will lead the industry's work with technology and equipment manufacturers and software developers as well as heading up work related to the installation of digital radios in cars. 

He will also be responsible for working with the Consumer Expert Group and other consumer representatives.

Of his new role, Mr Harrison said: "I am particularly pleased that, as well as developing new relationships within the supply chain, I will be able to continue working with my colleagues in the technology, manufacturing and retail industries to grow the market for digital radio."

Digital Radio UK has also appointed Jane Ostler as marketing and strategy director.

Also a director of Digital UK, Ms Ostler has a track-record in devising, communicating and implementing consumer switchover strategies.

Working with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in 2003 (then the DTI), she developed the original communications strategy for TV switchover as part of the Government's Digital Action Plan, before moving on to work for Digital UK as head of marketing in 2005.

She was part of the team that developed the overall communications campaign, including the launch and management of the 'digital tick' logo scheme, and the development of communications for the Digital Switchover Help Scheme.

At Digital Radio UK, Ms Ostler will play a key role in market preparation and the development of the digital radio switchover action plan and will be responsible for consumer and retailer communications strategy and campaigns.