BBC Trust Chair Rona Fairhead Steps Down

LONDON: The head of the BBC Trust, Rona Fairhead, has resigned, after the Prime Minister ordered a re-run of her controversial appointment process.

The government has informed the BBC that it will run a new process to appoint the first Chair of the BBC Board for a four-year term.

Fairhead said: “I took on leadership of the Trust to help stabilize, strengthen and develop the BBC following a very difficult period in its history and through Charter Review. I was always clear that I was willing to serve for four years, after which I would continue my career in the private sector. I am proud of what I and my colleagues, both at the Trust and the BBC, have accomplished during the past two years. I believe the draft Charter will secure the strong, confident and independent BBC that the public want and deserve.

“The Prime Minister strongly encouraged me to take part in the new appointment process, for what would be a new four-year term as BBC Chairman. However, after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that I should not do so. It is my belief that it will be better to have a clean break and for the government to appoint someone new, and for me to continue my career in the private sector as I had always planned to do after my existing term ended in 2018.

“The BBC is a wonderful organization and I have huge confidence in its future. I wish the new chairman, the board and everyone at the BBC every success. The government and the BBC will have my full support in transitioning to the new governance arrangements to ensure the BBC remains the bold, creative institution that is loved and admired by so many.”

BBC Trust Vice Chairman Sir Roger Carr said: “I joined the BBC Trust as deputy chair to support Rona in her mission of leading both the Charter Review and transitioning to a Unitary Board.

“In her period of office as chairman she has done an excellent job in navigating these challenging tasks through turbulent waters to a safe harbor.

“The BBC and license payers have much to thank her for in delivering these outcomes with great professionalism and selfless commitment.

“I know all trustees feel as I do that working with Rona has been a privilege and a pleasure.”