BBC Shuffles Senior Team

LONDON: The incoming director-general at the BBC, Tony Hall, has announced the first in a series of changes to the senior team, including tapping James Purnell for the post of director of strategy and digital.

Purnell is currently a senior producer at Rare Day and advisor to the Boston Consulting Group. He previously worked at the BBC, having been head of corporate planning in the ’90s. In his new role, Purnell will be developing the BBC’s strategy, with a remit that includes running the divisions of policy and strategy, digital, public affairs and communications and marketing and audiences.

Tim Davie, who has been serving as the acting director-general for five months, has an expanded role at BBC Worldwide that includes a more strategic global perspective. As CEO of BBC Worldwide and director of global, Davie is responsible for developing the BBC’s international brand and editorial strategy.

Also, Helen Boaden is taking up the role of director of BBC Radio. Boaden, who is currently the director of BBC News, is a former controller of BBC Radio 4.

The BBC is starting the process of recruiting a new director for BBC News and director for BBC Television.

Hall said: “I am building a senior team that will define the BBC and public service broadcasting for the next decade. It will be a team that is made up of outstanding talent from outside the BBC combined with the best people from within.

“There will be more changes over the coming months and there is a lot of hard work ahead but today’s appointments are the first steps in delivering that vision.”

Purnell said: “I’m really excited to be coming back to the BBC, to work on its future with such a great team. Over the last couple of years, producing and developing programs has rekindled my passion for the career I had before politics. I feel very lucky to have the chance to return to the BBC at such an important time.”

Davie added: "I am very pleased to take on the important task of building the BBC brand globally and leading a growing, creative BBC Worldwide."

Boaden said: “It is a huge pleasure to be returning to my first love of radio. I look forward to working with our outstanding Controllers and some of the most creative on and off air talent in the BBC. The British public love BBC Radio and I intend to cherish and champion it.”