Cridland will take up the post on July 9, and will be tasked with developing a new media strategy and investing in new media technology, particularly in regards to audio and music.
He is currently responsible for the Virgin digital media portfolio, where his remit includes strategy development, technology planning and content direction.
Cridland founded his own company Mediauk.com in 1994. He has also worked as an evening presenter for The Pulse radio station, a copywriter for Pennine Radio and Viking FM, and as head of creative for Hallam FM.
Paul Jackson, Virgin Radio's chief executive, said: "It's testament to the achievements of Virgin Radio and the strength of the station's rapid digital media development over the last few years that James Cridland has secured such a prestigious new role at the BBC.
"We thank him for all his work over the past seven years and wish him all the best for the future. We are now looking for an energetic, innovative, new digital radio pioneer to replace him."
Cridland's appointment is part of a BBC recruitment drive for the future media and technology department; a group controller and controller of vision have also been appointed.
The new group controller is Erik Huggers, who will join on May 2, with a remit to manage the four controllers of the team. He joins from a nine year stint at Microsoft, where he helped launch the MSN portals and lead the European business development of Windows Media. Prior to this he worked at Endemol Entertainment, as director of business development for the interactive division.
Paul Dale joined on May 1 as the future media and technology controller for BBC Vision, to line manage all designers and technologists based in the vision group. He has previously worked at BSkyB as a technology director, prior to which he worked at News Digital System, Laboratory Impex Systems and Southbank Consulting.
Ashley Highfield, director of BBC future media and technology, said: "I am delighted to welcome Erik, Paul and James to the BBC, which now completes the Future Media and Technology leadership team. They are extremely talented individuals who will each make a significant contribution to the department's continued and future success".
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