Stuart Blackburn has been appointed as the new producer of Coronation Street, succeeding current boss Phil Collinson in the role.
Blackburn, who has been working as Emmerdale's series producer since early 2011, will take up the position in January.
Collinson, meanwhile, will remain at ITV in a new role working with Kieran Roberts to develop new drama from ITV's base in Manchester.
Speaking of his new post, Blackburn commented: "I'm in the very privileged position of producing Emmerdale's hour-long live episode to celebrate the programme's 40th birthday, and I get to produce Coronation Street too. Life just couldn't get any better.
"Emmerdale is a very special programme to me, as I was born and brought up in West Yorkshire. I'm in total admiration of the cast and production team as they are all incredibly talented people. They do an amazing job and I'll be sad to leave them.
"Coronation Street also has a place in my heart, as I believe passionately in storytelling, and although I recognise it's a massive responsibility, I have the best job in the world."
