BBC announces former Google boss as new director-general
Former Google executive Matt Brittin has been announced as the BBC's new director-general.He replaces the outgoing director-general Tim Davie, who announced his resignation in November after five years in the role, following criticism over the editing of a Panorama video clip of US President Donald Trump.
Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC Board, said the new appointment comes as the "stakes have never been higher" for the broadcaster, but members believe they have chosen the right person to lead the coporation.
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Matt Brittin. Pic: BBC
"Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world," Mr Brittin, 57, said in a statement."At its best, it shows us, and the world, who we are. It's an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity."
Mr Davie will leave the BBC next week, with Rhodri Talfan Davies, the broadcaster's director of nations, leading in the interim period before Mr Brittin takes over on 18 May.The new director-general will have a salary of £565,000 and intends to appoint a deputy, the corporation said.He takes on the role during a turbulent time for the broadcaster as it faces a multibillion-dollar lawsuit from Mr Trump over the Panoram edit, as well as the fallout over a racial slur being aired during the BAFTAs in February.
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Outgoing director-general Tim Davie leaves next week. Pic: Reuters
Mr Brittin said he would join the organisation "with humility, to listen, to learn, to lead, and to serve the public, working hard to earn their trust every day".
He added: "This is a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity. The BBC needs the pace and energy to be both where stories are, and where audiences are. To build on the reach, trust and creative strengths today, confront challenges with courage, and thrive as a public service fit for the future."The director-general of the BBC is the broadcaster's chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, responsible for creative, editorial and operational leadership.
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Mr Brittin starts his new role in May. Pic: PA
The appointment of a leader with a big tech background, rather than someone with TV production and broadcasting experience, marks a shift for the broadcaster in terms of skill set.Some staff and commentators had been hoping for a different kind of change - to see the first female director-general in the corporation's history.But Mr Brittin's announcement had become widely expected after reports he was approved by the BBC board at a meeting last week.
Who is Matt Brittin?
Bethany Minelle
Arts and entertainment reporter
@BethanyMinelle
In the "about" section on his LinkedIn profile, Matt Brittin describes himself as: "Tall, energetic, British. Above average at sitting down sports."
He also calls himself a "gap year student," referring to the "mini-gap year" he took after stepping down from global tech corporation Google last year, as well as a "part-time athlete" in a nod to his previous achievements as an Olympic rower.
He spent 18 years at Google, the last 10 of which he was president, EMEA, leading the company's Europe, Middle East and African interests.
Along the way, he's also been a board trustee at The Climate Group and the Media Trust, a non-executive director at Sainsbury's and a part-time senior independent director at The Guardian.
So, an Olympian, former media executive, and rumoured Doctor Who fan - we have everything you know about the man about to move into W1A to take on one of the most demanding jobs in Britain.
Read our full profile
BBC chairman Mr Shah described the new boss as "an outstanding leader" who has the skills needed to "navigate the organisation through the many changes taking place in the media market and in audience behaviours".Mr Shah added: "Matt's passion for the BBC, his understanding of the challenges facing the organisation, his commitment to its independence and his determination to maintain the BBC's position as one of the country's greatest national assets were critical factors in the board's decision to appoint him as the 18th director-general."The new appointment comes at a critical time, he said, with the government reviewing the current BBC Royal Charter, which expires at the end of 2027.
"It is clear there is need for radical reform of the BBC, its funding model and the framework in which it operates. The stakes for the BBC, and the future of public service broadcasting, have never been higher."The board and I believe Matt is the right person to lead the BBC as it fights for a sustainable future in an uncertain world, for the benefit of audiences and the UK."The chairwoman of the culture, media and sport committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage, congratulated Mr Brittin on his appointment - but said he would have a "significant job on his hands navigating [the BBC] out of a period of turbulence and through a charter review process that will define its purpose and standing beyond the next decade".
