Peter Bennett-Jones has decided to step down as chairman of Comic Relief after 15 years at the helm.

He will hand over to Tim Davie in September 2013. Davie is currently the chief executive of BBC Worldwide and is also a trustee of BBC Children in Need.

Richard Curtis, founder and trustee of Comic Relief paid tribute to Bennett-Jones, and said: “Peter has been an extraordinary chair, leading us through some of our most successful and innovative years with compassion, rigour and ambition.

“It is difficult for all of us at Comic Relief to say farewell to Peter after so many brilliant years working together, but a successor of Tim Davie’s stature and experience brings excitement and opportunity. We are enormously pleased to welcome him to Comic Relief.”

This year’s Red Nose Day has raised more than £93m so far. With an average income over three years of £103.4m, the charity was ranked 36th in the Charity 100 Index, which is compiled by civilsociety.co.uk and published this April. 

Describing the new role as “a huge privilege”, Davie said: “Under Peter’s outstanding leadership the charity has built an impressive track record of tackling poverty and social injustice as well as establishing itself as a much loved and admired fundraiser.”

Davie became the chief executive of BBC Worldwide and director of the BBC’s global services in April 2013. He was made acting director general of the BBC following the resignation of George Entwistle in November 2012. Prior to this he was director of BBC Audio and Music.