The BBC board has confirmed the appointment Matt Brittin as the 18th director-general of the BBC following days of rumours that the former Google exec was in line to take over the BBC hotseat.
Brittin, the former president of Google EMEA, will take over the role on 18 May.
The director-general of the BBC is the corporation’s chief executive officer and editor-in-chief. They are responsible for the creative, editorial and operational leadership of the BBC within the United Kingdom and around the globe.
As previously confirmed, Rhodri Talfan Davies will lead the BBC as interim director-general following Tim Davie’s departure on 2 April. During this period, Brittin will undergo an onboarding process and begin detailed introductory meetings to get a full understanding of the business. Talfan Davies will have full executive responsibility until 18 May, when Brittin officially begins his tenure.
Among his other priorities, Brittin has stated that he intends to appoint a deputy director-general.
Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC Board, 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.”
Incoming DG Brittin added: “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.”
Brittin first joined Google in 2007 to lead the UK business, and left in 2025 after heading the EMEA region for ten years. He previously worked in regional and national press and in consulting on media and technology. Matt served on the board of Sainsbury’s for nine years, and has just stepped down from the board of Guardian Media Group.
The salary of the new Director-General will be £565,000.
