BBC announces former Google boss Matt Brittin as new director-general

Former ‌Google executive Matt Brittin has been announced as the BBC's new director-general.

He replaces outgoing boss 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 organisation.

"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 intends to appoint a deputy, the corporation said. He will have a salary of £565,000.

He takes on the role during a turbulent time for the broadcaster as it faces a multibillion-dollar lawsuit from Mr Trump over the Panorama edit, as well as the fallout over a racial slur being aired during the BAFTAs in February.

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 director-general of the BBC is the broadcaster's chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, responsible for creative, editorial and operational leadership.

The appointment of a leader with a big tech background, rather than someone with TV production and broadcasting experience, marks a shift for the corporation 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.

Critical period for BBC

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".

He 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.

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"It is clear there is need for radical reform of the BBC, its funding model and the framework in which it operates," Mr Shah said. "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".

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