Matt Brittin Named New BBC Director-General

The BBC has tapped 18-year Google alum Matt Brittin as its new director-general, replacing Tim Davie, who resigned in November.

As previously announced, Rhodri Talfan Davies will lead the BBC as interim director-general following Davie’s departure on April 2. Brittin will undergo an onboarding process and begin detailed introductory meetings before taking on the role on May 18.

Previously, Brittin worked at Google for 18 years. He joined in 2007 to lead the U.K. business. He left in 2025 after heading Google’s EMEA region for ten years.

“Matt brings to the BBC deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly-complex organization through transformation,” said Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC board. “He is an outstanding leader and has the skills needed to navigate the organization through the many changes taking place in the media market and in audience behaviors.

“Matt’s passion for the BBC, his understanding of the challenges facing the organization, 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 U.K.”

Brittin commented, “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 honored 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.”