Ex-Google executive Matt Brittin named BBC director-general
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the BBC officially named former Google executive Matt Brittin as its 18th director-general. Brittin, the former president of Google’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), will formally assume the role on May 18, 2026. He replaces Tim Davie, who resigned in November 2025 following a controversy involving a BBC Panorama documentary about U.S. President Donald Trump. Following Davie's departure on April 2, Rhodri Talfan Davies (Director of Nations) will serve as interim director-general until Brittin takes over. Brittin will receive an annual salary of £565,000, matching his predecessor's pay. His appointment is seen as a move to leverage "big tech" expertise to accelerate the BBC's digital transformation, specifically for platforms like BBC iPlayer and digital news. Brittin enters the role during a period described by BBC Chairman Samir Shah as one requiring "radical reform". His immediate priorities in...