Pringle, currently programming director across the Capital Radio Group, will now be responsible for running the London station and will work closely with marketing director Carl Lyons to revive its flagging audience.
The latest Rajars are due out tomorrow for the second quarter of 2002 and advertisers will be looking for an improvement on the first quarter, when Capital 95.8 FM saw its weekly reach fall to 7.7m, down from 7.8m in the last period of 2002. Its share fell to 11.9% from 12.1% last time.
Capital Radio Group chief executive David Mansfield said: "Our mission to win back listeners to our flagship station is a significant challenge. Not surprisingly, I have given our most senior people the task."
The changes will be welcomed by the industry and seen as a positive move by Mansfield to address the station's problems.
There is still a question mark hanging over the breakfast show, hosted by Chris Tarrant, whose contract runs out early next year. The company said it will reveal its plans in November, while its marketing and programming strategy will be announced in the autumn.
Other senior management changes see group operations director Paul Davies, a member of the Capital Radio board, lead a new team charged with winning back listeners and building on the Capital 95.8 FM brand in London.
"Capital in London still enjoys commercial brand leadership and it is critical we distance ourselves further from the competition," Mansfield said. "We have the strongest brand name, a format that allows us to have the flexibility we need in music and presentation, and a great team of people capable of achieving success."
The station's operations outside London will be overseen by John O'Hara, who has been appointed regional managing director, Capital FM Network.
Andria Vidler, managing director of Capital FM Network, is to leave the company.
As part of the wider restructure, Andy Johnson is appointed head of group programming and Ric Blaxill is appointed creative director.
The station has been undergoing an overhaul since January, when head of music and programming strategy Jeff Smith left as part of a shake-up of its music and programming policy, aimed at reflecting the range of music available in London
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