Matt Brittin, a former senior executive at Google, has been named the BBC's next director general.
He succeeds Tim Davie, who stepped down following controversy over a Panorama edit that sparked widespread criticism.
Brittin led Google's activities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa before leaving the company in 2025 after an 18-year tenure.
BBC chairman Samir Shah argued the corporation needs leadership able to guide a large organisation through significant change.
Brittin described the role as both challenging and full of potential, saying he is keen to get to work.
He signalled a focus on making the BBC more agile and better placed where audiences and stories meet.
One of his immediate priorities will be navigating a review of the BBC’s royal charter and the future of its funding.
The government is examining the licence fee model and related reforms as the current charter runs until 2027.
The new director general also inherits a major legal issue: a defamation lawsuit brought by former US president Donald Trump over the way a Panorama episode used portions of his January 6, 2021 speech.
The BBC has apologised and has asked a US court to dismiss the claim, arguing the programme never aired there.
Brittin’s tech background was seen as a key factor in his appointment as the BBC seeks to compete with streaming platforms and other digital players.
The corporation recently struck a content partnership with YouTube, and insiders expect Brittin to push harder on digital innovation, including developments for iPlayer.
Some critics questioned appointing someone without a traditional public-service or editorial pedigree.
Supporters counter that his experience inside big tech and his industry relationships could help the BBC tackle issues like online misinformation and changing viewing habits.
Brittin’s career began after studies at Cambridge and the London Business School.
He rowed for Cambridge in the Boat Race and won a bronze medal for Great Britain at the 1989 World Rowing Championships.
He worked in commercial and digital roles at Trinity Mirror before joining Google in 2007 and rising to president for EMEA in 2014.
After leaving Google he took a short break, during which he picked up hobbies such as single sculling and plans to learn scuba diving.
He has stood down from a non-executive role at the Guardian Media Group and was appointed a CBE in January 2026 for services to technology and digital skills.
Brittin is no stranger to tough public scrutiny.
During his time at Google he faced intensive questioning from MPs about the company’s UK tax affairs, a series of exchanges that contributed to changes in tax policy and a 2016 settlement.
He will start on 18 May, with an annual salary of £565,000, matching his predecessor.
One of his early tasks will be naming a deputy as he begins steering the BBC through a period of significant reform and public scrutiny.
