English-born Andrew Jackson, who formerly worked at Honolulu’s KITV and KGMB-TV, will join KITV as president and general manager on Nov. 29.

Jackson, 46, will replace Michael Rosenberg, who is retiring after four decades in television, KITV owner Hearst Television announced yesterday.

Jackson’s most recent role was senior vice president for marketing and creative serv-ices at BBC America, where he oversaw marketing content and strategy, ad sales and partnerships to promote BBC’s worldwide brand and businesses.

Before that he worked as a director for on-air marketing at the FX national cable network and as a creative director at the WB broadcast network.

He first moved to Hawaii when he was 24, and in late 1989 joined KGMB-TV, where he oversaw marketing and promotions for six years before moving to KITV for four years in 1995.

"It was really the formative years in my career," said Jackson, who lives in Manhattan.

"It’s where I learned my craft."

He came to Hawaii "at the tail end of the Hawaii renaissance" during an era of "amazing programs" by Andy Bumatai, Frank De Lima and Rap Reiplinger, he said.

"It was such an eye opener … incredibly stimulating and inspiring," Jackson said. Moving back to the island station is "the dream job I have honestly been working towards my whole career."

Returning to Hawaii also is an opportunity for his wife, Julia, who was born in Mililani, and their two hapa children to come home, he said.

Meanwhile, Rosenberg, 63, plans to travel for longer than two-week periods and remain active on charity boards. He joined KITV in 1995 after nine years at KHON.

"(Andy) left for all the right reasons to broaden his career, he’s done all the right things and taken the right jobs, and through it all he’s stayed in touch once in a while and always expressed that someday he’d like to come back," Rosenberg said. "I’m very proud of him; he’s really grown."

David Barrett, Hearst president and chief executive officer, said in a statement that the station and the community will benefit from Jackson’s management talents and expertise in building brands, developing and showcasing "great content" — both news and entertainment — and his skill in forging productive business alliances with our customers.

"Andrew has a unique understanding of the people and culture of Hawaii, and of the critical role of local journalism in serving the community," Barrett said.