Zane Lowe, one of the UK’s most recognisable music tastemakers, has quit his presenting role at BBC Radio 1 in order to join Apple in the US.

New Zealand-born DJ Lowe joined Radio 1 in 2003. His last show on the network will be on Thursday, 5 March.

The BBC said in a statement that Lowe and his family would be moving across the Atlantic. He will take up a yet-to-be confirmed position at Apple – likely to be a music curation role for its upcoming music streaming service, due to launch in the summer.

Apple’s platform will be based in some capacity on the technology of Beats Music, which previously amassed its own impressive music curation team, including Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor.

“I’ve loved every minute at Radio 1. Exciting times lie ahead.” Zane Lowe

Lowe said: “I want to thank everyone at Radio 1 – for their support and friendship. The station has allowed me to share incredible music with the country’s best music fans – I’ve loved every minute of it. Exciting times lie ahead.”

The DJ is managed by Luke Mitzman at JHO Management (Pendulum, Chase & Status, Knife Party) from their London offices. Mitzman told MBW: “We will continue to work with Zane and look forward to developing his profile around the world.”

Lowe will be replaced in his weekday Radio 1 evening slot (7pm-9pm) by Annie Mac, who began her own successful career at the Beeb as an assistant on Lowe’s show.

Ben Cooper, Controller of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, says: “Annie has proven she is a great ambassador for new music, and I’m delighted that she’s bringing her passion and knowledge to young audiences across the week.

“I’d like to thank Zane for 12 wonderful years at Radio 1, and wish him and his family all the very best.”

Annie Mac says: “I am so excited and humbled to be asked to do this show. The thing I love about music radio is those private epiphanies it provides. Having 11 hours of airtime a week to share those moments with music that has no boundaries, is beyond a job, it’s a privilege. And to be following in the footsteps of Zane Lowe, a broadcaster that I respect and admire enormously, is a huge honour. I can’t wait to get started.”

Phil Taggart will be taking over the ‘Musical Hot Water Bottle’ on Radio 1 with his first show being Sunday 1 March. He will continue to host his Thursday evening future music show on the network.

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