Tim Davie to co-chair Creative Industries Council after leaving BBC

Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie is to co-chair the Creative Industries Council when he leaves his role with the corporation.

The 58-year-old will take up the role on August 1, when its current incumbent Sir Peter Bazalgette steps down, while he will be replaced at the BBC by interim director-general, Rhodri Talfan Davies, on April 2, before former Google boss Matt Brittin becomes permanent director-general on May 18.

Mr Davie said: “It is a privilege to be asked to chair the Creative Industries Council and champion a sector that’s a world-class success story for the UK.

“With the right backing, there’s a huge opportunity for our creative industries to deliver not only significant growth for the UK economy in the years ahead, but good growth that supports jobs and skills in every part of the country.

“I look forward to working with the Government to ensure that this sector will continue to punch well above its weight for the UK.”

He will co-chair with Baroness Shriti Vadera until she steps down on December 31 at the end of her term, when Mr Davie will become the sole industry chair.

The council is a forum which aims to bring together Government and the creative industries in order to advocate for the sector.

Mr Davie will lead the council alongside culture secretary Lisa Nandy and business secretary Peter Kyle, focusing on innovation, access to finance, workforce, trade and investment in the creative industries.

Ms Nandy said: “Tim brings with him a wealth of knowledge from his diverse career, including his previous tenure in this position.

“I would also like to thank Baz and Shriti for their incredible contribution to the council, which has been invaluable in supporting the future of these sectors.”

It will be the second time that Mr Davie will serve as industry chair of the council, having previously held the post in 2018.