BBC Sets Former Google Executive Matt Brittin as Director-General

The BBC has chosen former Google executive Matt Brittin as its next director-general, the British broadcaster announced on Wednesday. He will take over the role on May 18.

The update comes four months after outgoing director-general Tim Davie resigned in November over a misleading edit in a Donald Trump documentary that triggered the president’s $10 billion lawsuit.

“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 honoured and excited to be asked to serve as Director-General,” Brittin said in a statement. “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.”

“Matt’s passion for the BBC, his understanding of the challenges facing the organisation, 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,” BBC chairman Samir Shah added. “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.”

Brittin, 57, stepped down as Google’s president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa in late 2024 after a decade at the helm. Reports of his potential selection emerged earlier this month after other candidates, including Apple TV executive Jay Hunt and former Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, chose not to apply.

Brittin’s selection comes after Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness said in November they would resign from their posts after an internal report found a pre-2024 election Panorama documentary focused on Trump made it appear that Trump urged his supporters to “walk down to the Capitol” and “fight like hell” ahead of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, though he did not make an explicit call for violence.

Trump has since sued the organization for $10 billion over the edit. The BBC filed a motion to dismiss the claims earlier this month.

Davie said he would stay on until April 2, at which point BBC board member Rhodri Talfan Davies would serve as interim director-general until a permanent one is announced. Davie said in a speech this month that while the broadcaster has “made mistakes,” he challenged “anyone to come visit our teams and not acknowledge that they are striving to achieve their impartial coverage.”

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