Former Google exec Mark Brittin becomes BBC Director-General

Matt Brittin, Google’s former president in the EMEA, has been appointed as the BBC’s new Director-General.

The corporation had been in the hunt for a new DG following the resignation of Tim Davie last year amid the Donald Trump-Panorama scandal.

Davie will formally step down next week, April 2, after which Rhodri Talfan Davies will take interim charge until Brittin arrives on May 18.

BBC chairman Samir Shah said: “Matt brings to the BBC deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly-complex organisation through transformation. He is an outstanding leader and has the skills needed to navigate the organisation through the many changes taking place in the media market and in audience behaviours.

“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.

“Matt joins the BBC at a critical time. The Government’s review of the Charter is underway, and 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.”

Brittin, who was with Google for 18 years until last year, intends to appoint a new Deputy Director-General and will also be responsible for hiring a new director of news.

In a statement, he said: “Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world. 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. I’m honoured and excited to be asked to serve as Director-General.

“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.”

Dame Caroline Dinenage, the chair of the CMS select committee in Parliament, said: “I congratulate Matt Brittin on his appointment. The new Director-General takes over at a pivotal moment in the history of the BBC. He will have a significant job on his hands navigating it out of a period of turbulence and through a Charter Review process that will define its purpose and standing beyond the next decade.

“While his experience in the world of big tech could be an advantage, Mr Brittin will have to quickly demonstrate a commitment to public service broadcasting and an understanding of the vital part it plays in our media landscape. He will also need to show that he can keep on top of maintaining editorial standards, which is vital for public trust in the BBC.

“The Committee looks forward to hearing about his vision for the future of our national broadcaster and will be keeping a close eye on his performance.”

Brittin’s annual salary as DG will be £565,000, an increase on Davie’s estimated £545,000.