One of the U.K.'s most prominent radio figures Zane Lowe is leaving his post as DJ for BBC Radio 1 and taking up a gig at Apple in the United States.

The BBC announced Saturday the New Zealand native will air his last broadcast after 12 years on March 5. Fellow Radio 1 vet Annie Mac will replace Lowe in his primetime slot.

"I want to thank everyone at Radio 1 for their support and friendship," said Lowe. "The station has allowed me to share incredible music with the country's best music fans."

Lowe has played a pivotal role in the music industry, having helped introduce audiences to the likes of Adele; Arctic Monkeys; BANKS; CHVRCHES; Ed Sheeran; and Sam Smith, whose Grammy-winning debut album In the Lonely Hour features bonus cut "Restart," which Lowe co-produced.

The 41-year old has also landed exclusive interviews with such artists as Kanye West, Eminem, Coldplay's Chris Martin and Rick Rubin.

Although neither Radio 1 nor Apple has confirmed Lowe's new duties, The Guardian claims his role will be linked to the upcoming revamp of iTunes Radio, which will reportedly integrate the Beats Music subscription service under the iTunes name.