Former Google Executive Matt Brittin Appointed as 18th BBC Director-General
BBC Chairman Samir Shah stated that Brittin was chosen for his ability to lead complex organizations through transformation.
RMN Stars Media Desk
New Delhi | March 26, 2026
The BBC Board has announced the appointment of Matt Brittin as the 18th Director-General of the Corporation. Brittin, the former President of Google EMEA, is scheduled to officially take over the role on 18 May 2026.
Transition and Leadership
Brittin will succeed Tim Davie, who is set to depart on 2 April. During the transition period, Rhodri Talfan Davies will serve as Interim Director-General, maintaining full executive responsibility until Brittin’s tenure begins in May. In the interim, Brittin will undergo an onboarding process to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business.
As Director-General, Brittin will function as the BBC’s chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, responsible for the creative, editorial, and operational leadership of the broadcaster both in the UK and globally. One of his early priorities will be the appointment of a Deputy Director-General. His salary in the new role has been confirmed at £565,000.
Extensive Media and Tech Background
Brittin brings a wealth of experience to the role, having led Google’s UK business starting in 2007 before heading the EMEA region for ten years until his departure in 2025. His career also includes experience in regional and national press, media consulting, and nine years on the Board of Sainsbury’s. He recently stepped down from the Board of the Guardian Media Group to take on this new position.
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Navigating a “Critical Time”
BBC Chairman Samir Shah stated that Brittin was chosen for his ability to lead complex organizations through transformation, noting that his skills are essential for navigating current shifts in the media market and audience behaviors.
“Matt joins the BBC at a critical time,” Shah remarked, pointing to the Government’s ongoing review of the Charter and the necessity for “radical reform” regarding the BBC’s funding model and operational framework.
A Vision for the Future
In a statement following his appointment, Brittin described the BBC as a “uniquely British asset” with a century-long legacy of innovation. While acknowledging that the Corporation faces a “moment of real risk,” he emphasized the “real opportunity” to evolve.
“The BBC needs the pace and energy to be both where stories are, and where audiences are,” Brittin said, adding that he intends to work closely with the organization’s journalists and creatives to ensure the broadcaster remains fit for the future.
