The Guardian is reporting that Julie Garner, Head of Drama, BBC Wales and Executive Producer of Doctor Who, will be stepping down in January 2009, to be replaced with Piers Wenger.

Gardner will still work on the next seasons of Torchwood and the Sarah Jane Adventures (Sarah Jane fans should note that the BBC version of this announcement is the first official recognition that there will be a second season of the Adventures) and will work with Wenger on the shortened fifth season of Doctor Who. Then Gardner will move to an as-yet undecided post in the BBC while Wenger will become the new BBC Wales Head of Drama.

Outside of the Whoniverse, Gardner has worked on the British cult hit Life on Mars, while Wenger's credits include Housewife and the upcoming Ballet Shoes special (starring Yasmin Paige, "Maria" from The Sarah Jane Adventures).

"I know that when I hand over my sonic screwdriver to Piers for season five of Doctor Who, it will be to someone who loves and understands the show," Gardner says.

(Source: BBC)