MUMBAI: Tim Bevan will be the new chair of the UK Film Council.

Bevan, who is co-founder and co-chairman of Working Title Films, will take over from outgoing chairman Stewart Till. The appointment is for four years and will start on 30 July 2009.

UK Film Council culture secretary Ben Bradshaw said, "Tim Bevan will become chair during a tremendously successful year for British film. Box office receipts are in great shape, and the awards season was a reflection of the strength of the industry. Tim is one of the UK’s most successful producers with a hugely impressive list of credits to his name. The UK film sector is very fortunate to have someone as experienced and talented as Tim to help ensure its continued success."

"I want to take this opportunity to thank Stewart Till for his lasting contribution over the past five years as Chairman of the UK Film Council, as well as his four-year tenure as vice-chair. Stewart has been with the UK Film Council from its earliest days and he has been a driving force behind the success of the organisation, particularly his work to develop the Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future," he added.

Bevan added, "This is an interesting time to become Chair of the UK Film Council. British film is enjoying great critical and commercial success, but at the same time everyone is facing the transition to a new digital era, the very real challenges of the credit crisis and the impact of online piracy. We must adapt and consolidate to respond to those new realities, working with Government, listening to our stakeholders, and carrying out a comprehensive review of all our activities, both industrial and cultural. My first priority is to ensure that we have a UK Film Council that is right and ready for these challenging times."