BBC loses business editor Randall

Randall was appointed to modernise the BBC's business coverage

BBC business editor Jeff Randall is leaving the corporation, having joined in March 2001.

His new role has yet to be finalised but the BBC said Randall would also continue to work on BBC projects.

"Jeff is a brilliant business editor and we wish him well in any future endeavours," a BBC spokesman said.

Randall will leave by the end of the year. He previously worked for the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Times, and edited the Sunday Business newspaper.

Modernised coverage

Randall was the BBC's first business editor, having been appointed by the corporation's previous director general Greg Dyke to modernise its business coverage.

"Jeff always said it was the kind of job you do for five years," the BBC spokesman said. "He just wants to explore other interests."

Another series of Randall's Weekend Business programme on BBC Radio 5 Live starts on Sunday, 25 September.

"We are delighted that Jeff will maintain links with the BBC," the spokesman added.

Randall was city correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph between 1986 and 1988 before spending five years as city editor on the Sunday Times and editing Sunday Business from its 1998 launch.