BBC Board appoints Jody Ford as non-executive director ahead of Charter review

UK public service broadcaster the BBC has appointed former eBay executive Jody Ford as a non-executive director to play an advisory role in helping to shape the corporation’s transformation into the next Charter period.

Jody Ford

He will serve for four years on the Board, helping to ensure that it makes decisions in the public interest and upholds the independence of the BBC.

His appointment comes during the crucial run-up to the BBC’s Charter agreement, which expires on December 31, 2027, and is likely to see the UK government implement a radical shake-up of the licence fee funding model.

As chief executive of Trainline since 2020, Ford has led the company’s growth as an independent global rail and coach travel platform.

His previous roles include group CEO at PhotoBox, which then included online greeting card business Moonpig, and global growth VP at eBay. He began his career in consulting roles at PwC and McKinsey.

As a BBC-appointed Board member, Jody replaces Shumeet Banerji, who left in November.

Ford said: “I’m proud to be joining the BBC Board in a non-executive capacity and to support a British cultural icon that means so much to so many in the UK and globally.

“Its core mission and purpose endure, and I look forward to helping harness technology and digital innovation to remain relevant, resilient and impactful. The BBC has shaped how I understand the world and what the future might hold and I’m excited to play a part in preparing it for future challenges.”

Samir Shah, chair, said: “Jody brings deep expertise in technology and innovation and knows how to use that experience to drive change in an organisation. This insight will be invaluable as the Board develops its strategy to transform the BBC.

“I look forward to Board discussions and deliberations being enriched by his energy, enthusiasm, and clear passion for the BBC.”

In other BBC news, culture brand BBC Arts has announced new six-part series The Big Deal with Steph McGovern. Co-commissioned with BBC Northern Ireland for BBC Two, BBC Northern Ireland and iPlayer, it is produced by Sony Pictures Television-backed prodco Stellify Media (Blind Date).

It sees seven pairs of art-curious contestants battle it out in the competitive world of contemporary art dealing for the chance to win a lucrative prize.