Dana Strong, managing director of UPC Ireland, the Liberty Global owned broadband and communications company, is to take up a new role as chief operating officer of Virgin Media.

Earlier this year US telecommunications group Liberty Global agreed to buy the UK’s Virgin Media for $23.3 billion. As a result of the acquisition, Ms Strong will move into the new role where she will report to Tom Mockridge, who was recently announced as Virgin Media’s incoming chief executive officer.

Ms Strong will remain as chairman of UPC Ireland, and will be succeeded as managing director by Magnus Ternsjo. Since 2009, Mr Ternsjo has served as managing director of Liberty Global’s central European DTH satellite television business, covering Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania.

“This is a very exciting time for our company. I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of Virgin Media’s business and I’m delighted to be appointed chairman of UPC Ireland, so I can continue to contribute to its future success,” Ms Strong said.

Before joining UPC Ireland, Ms Strong served as the chief operating officer of AUSTAR Communications in Australia for Liberty Global.