A former Google executive, Matt Brittin, has been confirmed as the next director general of the BBC.
This appointment of a tech industry figure, rather than someone with a traditional television production or broadcasting background, would mark a notable strategic shift for the corporation.
Mr Brittin, who will become the 18th director-general of the BBC, 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.”
Mr Brittin, 57, brings extensive experience from his nearly two decades at Google, where he ascended to become the company’s president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa before announcing his departure last year.
Prior to his tenure at the tech giant, he also worked as a consultant for McKinsey.
However, his selection could disappoint some BBC staff and commentators who had hoped for the corporation’s first female director general.
Prominent women whose names had been circulated include Alex Mahon, the former chief executive of Channel 4, and Charlotte Moore, the ex-BBC content boss who now serves as chief executive of Left Bank Pictures, the production company responsible for The Crown.
Mr Brittin announced his departure from Google in a post on LinkedIn, in which he spoke of “the transformative benefit that AI will have on billions of lives”.
He has since embarked on a “mini gap year”, writing: “I’ve already grown a beard, bought a single sculling boat and plan to learn scuba diving from my son when he qualifies as an instructor.”
Mr Brittin is a non-executive director of 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 for nine years on the board of Sainsbury’s and has been a trustee of charities including the Media Trust and the Climate Group.
Mr Brittin was a member of the British Olympic rowing team in Seoul 1988 and won a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships in 1989.
The Cambridge alumnus also rowed in the 1987, 1988 and 1989 Boat Races.
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.
Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC Board, said Mr Brittin brings “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.”
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.
“Matt joins the BBC at a critical time. The Government’s review of the Charter is under way, 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.”
