UK producer Simon Relph is replacing Tim Angel as chairman of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

Relph will take up the position on July 1. Angel has been chairman for three years after the traditional two-year post was renewed for an additional year.

Relph assumes chairmanship as BAFTA reports a surge in membership over the last 12 months, with more than 1,000 people signing up to bring the total membership to nearly 4,000. BAFTA's Los Angeles arm now boasts 700 members, while BAFTA calculates that the number of members under 40 years is up by 12%.

BAFTA is gearing up for this year's film awards, with nominations unveiled on March 1 and the awards ceremony scheduled for April 9. This year's ceremony has moved from the Business Design Centre in north London to exhibition circuit Odeon Cinema's flagship site in Leicester Square, central London. UK satellite broadcaster BSkyB has secured the rights to broadcast the ceremony.