Andy Ashton returns to Xfm

The former Xfm programme director, Andy Ashton, has returned to take charge of the Global Radio music network, succeeding Paul Jackson. Ashton, who was previously boss of the Xfm London station, quit four years ago to pursue other interests . He spent three years in international radio, launching stations for 42-strong radio network Communicorp and most recently working as programme director for Dublin station Spin 103.8 He takes up his new role in November, overseeing the Xfm stations in London, Manchester and on digital. Mike Walsh, Xfm's long-standing head of music , will be the station's deputy programme director. Jackson is leaving his job overseeing Xfm and Global's 95.8 FM Capital station, moving to Australia to join Lachlan Murdoch's DMG Radio Australia . "After three years working internationally, I'm really looking forward to bringing that experience back to the UK and home to Xfm," said Ashton. "I'm delighted to be joining Global Radio for the challenge ahead, building on one of the world's great music brands in London, Manchester, across the UK on digital and around the world online. It's an exciting new chapter for me and for Xfm." The Global Radio director of broadcasting, Richard Park, said Ashton's knowledge and experience in music and broadcasting was "widely respected" and he would bring "fresh dimensions" to the Xfm team. Ashton was previously at Xfm for six years until his departure in 2006, when the station was still owned by GCap Media. Xfm had an average weekly reach of 927,000 listeners across the UK in the first half of this year, up from 881,000 in the previous six months but down from just over 1 million in the same period in 2009, according to the latest Rajar figures . • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".