Former Google executive Matt Brittin ‘honoured’ to become BBC director-general

The incoming director-general of the BBC has said he joins the corporation at “a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity”.

Former Google boss Matt Brittin, 57, has been confirmed as Tim Davie’s replacement, becoming the 18th director-general of the BBC, a role which he takes over on May 18.

Mr Brittin will be appointing a deputy director-general, the BBC said, and Mr Brittin’s salary will be £565,000, the same figure as Mr Davie’s current salary, the Press Association understands.

He said: “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.”

“Working alongside so many talented journalists, creatives and technicians, across the country and around the world, I join with humility to listen, to learn, to lead and to serve the public, working hard to earn their trust every day.

He added: “This is a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity. 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. I can’t wait to start this work.”

A former McKinsey consultant, he worked for Google from 2007, leaving in 2025 after being the head of their EMEA region for a decade.

He takes on the role during a turbulent time for the broadcaster as it grapples with a billion-dollar lawsuit from US President Donald Trump and the fallout over a racial slur being aired during the Bafta film awards.

He was selected as a member of the British Olympic rowing team in Seoul 1988 and won a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships in 1989.

The Cambridge alumnus also rowed in the 1987, 1988 and 1989 Boat Races.

He was made a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours list earlier this year for his services to technology and the enhancement of digital skills.

Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC Board, said Mr Brittin brings “deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly complex organisation through transformation.

“He is an outstanding leader and has the skills needed to navigate the organisation through the many changes taking place in the media market and in audience behaviours.”

He added: “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.

“Matt joins the BBC at a critical time. The Government’s review of the Charter is under way, 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.

“The board and I believe Matt is the right person to lead the BBC as it fights for a sustainable future in an uncertain world, for the benefit of audiences and the UK.”

Mr Davie, who had been in the role since 2020, announced his resignation in November 2025, alongside the chief executive of BBC News Deborah Turness, amid controversy over a Panorama edit of a speech by Mr Trump.

The chairwoman of Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage, said Mr Brittin “will have a significant job on his hands” in a “period of turbulence”.

The Tory MP said: “While his experience in the world of big tech could be an advantage, Mr Brittin will have to quickly demonstrate a commitment to public service broadcasting and an understanding of the vital part it plays in our media landscape.

“He will also need to show that he can keep on top of maintaining editorial standards, which is vital for public trust in the BBC.”