BBC confirms former Google exec Matt Brittin as new director-general
UK public broadcaster the BBC has confirmed its new director-general will be former Google executive Matt Brittin, who will take over the role on May 18.
Matt Brittin
Photo: Matt Brittin
Brittin served as president of EMEA business and operations at tech giant Google until he stood down last year. He steps into the shoes of incumbent Tim Davie, who resigned last November in the wake of the Panorama documentary scandal that led to Donald Trump filing a US$10bn defamation lawsuit against the corporation.
Rhodri Talfan Davies will lead the BBC as interim director-general following Davie’s departure on April 2. During this time, Brittin will undergo an onboarding process and begin detailed introductory meetings to get a full understanding of the business. Davies will have full executive responsibility until Brittin begins his tenure.
Brittin 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.”
Brittin has emerged as the leading contender from a shortlist that included ex-Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, ex-BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore, All3Media boss Jane Turton and Apple’s creative director of worldwide video Jay Hunt.
When the Banijay and All3Media mega-merger was confirmed this month, with Marco Bassetti set to lead the combined media powerhouse, many industry observers believed it cleared the way for Turton to step into the BBC’s top job.
However, it appears the corporation has instead chosen an exec with no direct programming or production credits on his CV and considerably less TV experience than the other names on the shortlist.
Brittin studied at the University of Cambridge and London Business School before working for a chartered surveyors’ firm and serving as director of strategy and digital at newspaper group Trinity Mirror.
He was also a member of the British rowing team and has won medals in eights and fours at the World Rowing Championships and represented Great Britain at the Olympics.
He joined Google in 2007, serving initially as MD of UK operations, then VP for northern and central Europe before being named head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
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.”
Responding to Brittin’s appointment, Philippa Childs, head of industry union Bectu, said: “Matt Brittin’s appointment comes at a vital juncture for the BBC’s future as it moves through the charter renewal process. We wish him every success in challenging times for the corporation.
“As the BBC seeks to meet the challenge of a changing media landscape and ensure secure funding for the future, it needs someone who is dedicated to its founding principles to inform, entertain and educate, and who will defend it when it comes under attack.”
