After its sale to Times of India Group last month, Virgin Radio in the UK will change its name, as the Virgin brand will revert to Richard Branson as part of the deal. The network will now be known as Absolute Radio, named for the management company which has been put in charge.

Big changes to the schedule and a vastly expanded playlist are expected to be part of the changes planned, using the strap line “discover new music.”

New hirings include former Kerrang! DJ Tim Shaw, while evening presenter Geoff Lloyd moves to drive. Ex-Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley, who hosted the Friday and Saturday evening Party Classics shows for Virgin Radio, will leave the station.

Absolute Radio’s chief content officer Clive Dickens has told The Guardian newspaper the relaunched station will be “irreverent and cheeky” with an emphasis on personality DJs.

Times of India Group bought Virgin Radio for £53.2 million in June.