Former CBC news chief Tony Burman has been tapped to lead Al-Jazeera English, as it looks to expand its presence in North America.

The longtime CBC journalist -- who had been with the pubcaster for 35 years prior to his departure last year -- reportedly replaces Nigel Parsons, who was appointed managing director of business acquisition and development.

The 60-year-old Burman said in a release that as managing director he would put emphasis on the expansion of the Arabic news network into new areas of the world, most notably North America. It is not immediately clear where Burman will be based.

The Qatar-based Al-Jazeera launched its English-language channel in November 2006 and has offices in London, Washington and Kuala Lumpur. It is available in 100 million homes worldwide.