The new chair of the British Film institute will be Warner Bros president Josh Berger, it has been announced.

Mr Berger will take over from current chair Greg Dyke in February.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, John Whittingdale, said he was delighted that Mr Berger would be heading the BFI, which has a key role in promoting the film and television industries in the UK.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, both as head of a major studio in the UK and as a governor of the BFI for more than four years. I have no doubt he will be a great champion for British film.”

Mr Berger, who is president and managing director of Warner Bros Entertainment UK, Ireland and Spain, said he was “honoured and excited”.

“Our goal is to ensure that the BFI continues protecting and promoting the UK’s thriving film culture and supporting and nurturing the ideas and talent that make up our world-class British film industry, of which we are all so rightly proud.”