A senior executive from DAB handset maker Frontier Silicon has been appointed President of WorldDMB, the body that promotes digital radio platforms DAB, DAB+ and DMB.

Patrick Hannon, VP of Corporate Development at the UK-based manufacturer, takes over from outgoing president Jorn Jensen of Norwegian public broadcaster NRK.

Hannon was elected for a two year presidency by WorldDMB members at the body’s General Assembly in Amsterdam this week.

Two new vice presidents,  Joan Warner, CEO of Commercial Radio Australia and Joachim Kraus Co-ordinator of Digital Radio at German broadcaster ARD, were also appointed along with a new steering board.

Speaking about the roll-out of digital radio, Hannon said: “DAB / DAB+ is rapidly extending its footprint across Europe. The last two years have seen significant launches in Germany and the Netherlands, and, in the more mature markets (UK, Norway, Denmark and Switzerland), Digital Switchover is now firmly on the agenda. The progress in all these territories is building significant momentum across the continent”.

“A similar story is emerging in the Asia Pacific region, where Australia is leading the way. Our key objectives now are to continue

the roll-out of DAB into new markets and to accelerate the uptake of digital radio in cars and mobile phones. I look forward to working with all WorldDMB members to ensure we meet these goals.”