Former Google executive Matt Brittin has been confirmed as the BBC's new director general, replacing Tim Davie. According to BBC chairman Samir Shah, Brittin brings deep experience of leading a high-profile and complex organisation through transformation.
Brittin, 57, previously served as the president of Google's Europe, Middle East and Africa operations before leaving the company in 2025. He stated that he is eager to start his new role, describing it as a moment of real risk and opportunity.
The BBC's new director general will face several challenges, including handling a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump. The lawsuit stems from a Panorama episode that edited together two sections of a speech Trump gave on 6 January 2021.
Background and Experience
Matt Brittin has a degree from the University of Cambridge and a master's degree from the London Business School. He joined Google in 2007 and held various roles, including vice-president for Northern and Central Europe and president of Google in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Prior to his role at Google, Brittin worked at Trinity Mirror as commercial director and director of strategy and digital. He also rowed for Great Britain and won a bronze medal at the 1989 World Rowing Championships.
Reaction and Expectations
Samir Shah praised Brittin as an outstanding leader with the skills needed to navigate the organisation through changes in the media market and audience behaviours. Former BBC Newsnight editor Peter Barron described Brittin as highly motivated by a sense of public service.
Brittin's priorities will include driving the acceleration to digital and transforming the BBC iPlayer. He will also continue negotiations with the government on the corporation's charter and the future of the licence fee and BBC funding.
Appointment and Remuneration
Matt Brittin will start his new role on 18 May and will be paid £565,000 a year, the same as his predecessor. One of his first tasks will be to appoint a deputy director general.
