Davie appointed BBC director general

Tim Davie has been appointed as the new director general of the BBC, replacing the outgoing Tony Hall.

Tim Davie

Davie, currently CEO of the UK pubcaster’s commercial and production arm BBC Studios, will succeed Hall from September 1.

Hall announced in January he would be standing down from the role he had held since 2013, firing the starting gun on the race to replace him.

The BBC’s director of content Charlotte Moore, Amazon’s UK chief Doug Gurr and former Dow Jones CEO Will Lewis were all linked with the job, but Davie has been given the nod.

He is the seventeenth director general of the BBC, all of whom have been white males.

David Clementi, chairman of the BBC board, said: “Tim has a strong track record as the CEO of BBC Studios and is one of the most respected names in the industry.

“His leadership and experience, both outside the BBC and within, will ensure we are well placed to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming years. Tim has an enthusiasm and energy for reform, while holding dear to the core mission of the BBC.

“We know the industry is undergoing unprecedented change and the organisation faces significant challenges as well as opportunities. I am confident Tim is the right person to lead the BBC as it continues to reform and change.

“My focus for the remainder of my own term as chairman, until February of next year, will be to ensure there is a smooth and successful handover and that the BBC continues to serve audiences across the whole of the UK.”

Davie added: “I am honoured to be appointed the BBC’s next director general. This has been a critical time for the UK, and these past few months have shown just how much the BBC matters to people. Our mission has never been more relevant, important or necessary. I have a deep commitment to content of the highest quality and impartiality.

“Looking forward, we will need to accelerate change so that we serve all our audiences in this fast-moving world. Much great work has been done, but we will continue to reform, make clear choices and stay relevant. I am very confident we can do this because of the amazing teams of people that work at the BBC.”

Tony Hall added: “I’m delighted that Tim has been appointed as the next director general. He is a fantastic leader. I wish him every success for the future. I know that the BBC is in safe hands.”