BBC appoints ex-Google executive Matt Brittin as director general
Tech veteran takes the helm as the broadcaster faces drastic shifts in the media landscape and a US$10 billion Trump lawsuit
The BBC named a former Google executive with no television or journalism experience as its next director general on Wednesday.
The long-expected appointment of Matt Brittin to the high-profile role comes as the under-fire British broadcaster faces drastic shifts in the media landscape and a US$10 billion lawsuit brought by US President Donald Trump.
Brittin, 57, said he was honoured to be appointed at a “moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity”.
“Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast-changing world,” he added.
The British-born executive was president for more than a decade of Google’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division, which earns around a third of its revenue. He had previously worked as a consultant for McKinsey.
Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC board, said Brittin “brings to the BBC deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly complex organisation through transformation”.