Simon Marks will be the new president of MacNeil Lehrer Productions effective September 1, 2010. Marks, the associate executive producer of the PBS NewsHour, will replace retiring MLP President Les Crystal.

MacNeil Lehrer Productions is the partnership of Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer and Liberty Media and produces the PBS NewsHour, along with other broadcast and digital journalism.

From the official press release: Marks helped devise and oversee the recent integration of the NewsHour’s broadcast and online operations; managed the design and construction of the NewsHour’s new, digital newsroom; and the played a leading part in the launch of the re-branded “PBS NewsHour” nightly broadcast, website and mobile services in December of 2010.

“Simon brings a vision and a feel for the future that is a perfect fit for MacNeil-Lehrer Productions as we chart our way in this exciting and challenging time for all of us in the business of serious journalism,” added Jim Lehrer, executive editor and lead anchor of the PBS NewsHour and partner in MacNeil Lehrer Productions.

“I’m deeply honored and grateful that Jim Lehrer and Robin MacNeil would even consider me to succeed Les Crystal at MacNeil-Lehrer’s helm,” added Simon Marks. “I’m excited to continue the important work we’ve already begun at the PBS NewsHour, and I look forward to furthering MacNeil-Lehrer’s reputation as the gold standard for video journalism in the digital age.”