New BBC Board Appointments

Sir Damon Buffini has been appointed to the new role of deputy chair of the BBC Board, in addition to his capacity as chair of the BBC Commercial Board.

Buffini was a founding partner of the international investment firm Permira. He has been chair of the Royal National Theatre since 2015 and has held multiple non-executive directorships across various industries. Buffini joined the BBC Board as a non-executive director in November 2021 and was appointed chair of the BBC Commercial Board in March 2022.

Richard Sharp, chairman of the BBC, said: “I am incredibly pleased that Sir Damon will take on the additional role of deputy chair of the BBC Board, reflecting the integral part that the BBC’s commercial activity plays in the corporation’s overall success. As chair of the BBC Commercial Board, Sir Damon brings vast experience and expertise to the oversight of our commercial operations at a time when the BBC Board is looking for significant and sustained commercial growth.”

Gary Newman, Ian Griffiths and Claire Hungate will all join the BBC Commercial Board as non-executive directors, following approval from the BBC Board, effective from April 1, 2023, for an initial term of three years.

Newman was chairman and CEO of Fox Television Group until its acquisition by The Walt Disney Company. Griffiths was deputy CEO and CFO of market intelligence agency Kantar from 2020 to 2022. Hungate has held the roles of CEO of Warner Bros TV Production UK, COO of Shed Media and managing director of Wall to Wall and is currently president and COO of Team Liquid.

Buffini said: “The BBC’s commercial subsidiaries, already successful, have been tasked with a further step-change in performance. The appointment of three new non-executives, with spectacular industry experience, reinforces the Commercial Board’s commitment to support and challenge the executive in achieving these stretching goals.”

The new non-executive appointees join to replace Steve Morrison and Dame Elan Closs Stephens, whose full terms on the BBC Commercial Board are due to expire in March 2023.

Buffini added: “I also want to record sincere thanks to both Elan and Steve for their service. It has been a pleasure to work with them both; their commitment to the BBC’s commercial mission is deeply held, and they step down knowing that the BBC’s commercial activities are in excellent health.”