Mark Thompson Exiting the BBC

LONDON: Mark Thompson, the BBC’s director general, has confirmed that he is leaving the corporation this fall, after serving nearly eight years in the role.

A date for his departure has not yet been confirmed, though he said he will remain at the BBC until coverage of the 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee has wrapped.

In a note to staff, Thompson called the BBC "the best broadcaster in the world." He added, "It’s been a great privilege helping you to keep the BBC in that top spot over the past eight years…. We can address the exact date of the handover once an appointment is made, though I have made it clear that I want to be guided by the wishes of the Trust and of my successor, whoever that may be."

Thompson said, "Trust and approval are at record highs, our services are in brilliant creative form and we’ve demonstrated beyond contradiction that the BBC can be just as much of a leader and innovator in the digital age as we once were in the analogue one."