BBC announces former Google boss Matt Brittin as new director-general | Ents & Arts News

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.

“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.

Mr Brittin 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 billion-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.

Saying he was “honoured and excited” to take on the role, Mr Brittin added: “Working alongside so many talented journalists, creatives and technicians, across the country and around the world, I join with humility, to listen, to learn, to lead, and to serve the public, working hard to earn their trust every day.

“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. I can’t wait to start this work.”

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 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?

Mr Brittin has just stepped down from the Guardian Media Group board, and prior to joining Google in 2007, spent time in media, marketing and strategy, including as commercial director at Trinity Mirror.

He also served on the board of Sainsbury’s for nine years and has been a trustee of charities including the Media Trust and the Climate Group.

Outside of work, he was a member of the British Olympic rowing team in Seoul in 1988, and won a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships in 1989.

He was made a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours list earlier this year for his services to technology and the enhancement of digital skills.

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