Radio 1’s most famous New Zealander steps down after more than a decade.

The BBC has confirmed that Zane Lowe will leave the station in March after 12 years on the air to take up a position with Apple in the United States.

After joining in 2003, Lowe quickly became one of the station’s most popular personalities and a champion of new music and talents. Throughout the years his show has evolved to include the Zane Meets… series of interviews, with Kanye West and Rick Rubin among others, and the Masterpieces feature where he played classic albums in full.

His last show will be March 5, after which Annie Mac will step into his place. Mac began her career as a broadcast assistant on Lowe’s show. The Guardian reports that Lowe will be working on Apple’s iTunes Radio offering.

Commenting on the announcement, Lowe said: “I want to thank everyone at Radio 1 for their support and friendship. The station has allowed me to share incredible music with the country’s best music fans.”