Former Olympian Patrick Singleton has taken the helm at the island’s biggest TV broadcaster.

Mr Singleton has been appointed chief executive officer of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, stepping up from the post of chief operating officer.

Mr Singleton, who competed in luge and skeleton, said: “I am excited about the opportunities ahead.

“This is a legacy media company with a proud history and I believe it has an important role to play in our community.

“So we must position the company to be relevant and add value, especially in light of how the local media industry has changed over the past decade.”

He added: “There will be challenges ahead as we embrace new technologies, streamline operations and position the BBC as a progressive 21st-century broadcaster.”

Mr Singleton takes over from David Hills, who will remain with the company and who has been acting CEO.

Christopher Perry, chairman of the BBC, said: “We are delighted to have Patrick at the helm. He has a wealth of experience and the energy and insight necessary to help the company grow and thrive in a challenging economy.

“His appointment as CEO is good for the BBC and good for Bermuda.”

Mr Singleton was behind the BBC’s Olympic app, which allowed island residents to access multiple channels of live action from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

He has two decades of experience in broadcasting and journalism and worked for a major newspaper before helping to develop a Bloomberg News presence in the Asia-Pacific region, producing and directing Bloomberg television and radio operations in both Tokyo and London.