Who is Matt Brittin? The former Google boss confirmed to replace Tim Davie as next director general of the BBC

Former Google executive Matt Brittin has been confirmed as the BBC’s next director general.

The appointment of a figure from the technology industry, rather than someone with a traditional television production or broadcasting background, would mark a significant strategic shift for the company.

Brittin, who will be the BBC’s 18th director general, said: “Now more than ever, we need a successful BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and rapidly changing world. At its best, it shows us and the world who we are.”

“With over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity, this is an extraordinary, uniquely British asset. I am honored and excited to have been asked to serve as director general.

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

“This is a moment of real risk, but also real opportunity. The BBC needs pace and energy to be where both the stories and audiences are. To build access, trust and creative strengths today, to face challenges with courage and to thrive as a public service fit for the future. I can’t wait to get started on this work.”

Mr. Brittin, 57, brings extensive experience from nearly two decades at Google, where he rose to become the company’s president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa before announcing his departure last year.

Prior to his work at the tech giant, he also worked as a consultant at McKinsey.

But her choice may disappoint some BBC staff and commentators who were hoping for the corporation’s first female chief executive.

Prominent women whose names have been floated include former Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon and former BBC content boss Charlotte Moore, who now serves as chief executive of responsible production company Left Bank Pictures. Crown.

Mr. Brittin announced his departure from Google in a post on LinkedIn, where he talked about the “transformative benefits AI will have on billions of lives.”

He has since embarked on a “mini gap year” and wrote: “I’ve already grown a beard, bought a single rowing boat and plan to learn to scuba dive when my son qualifies as an instructor.”

Mr Brittin is a non-executive director on the Guardian Media Group board and spent time in media, marketing and strategy, including as commercial director at Trinity Mirror, before joining Google in 2007.

He also served on the board of Sainsbury’s for nine years and is a trustee of charities including the Media Trust and the Climate Group.

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

The Cambridge graduate also rowed in the 1987, 1988 and 1989 Regattas.

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

BBC Chairman Samir Shah said Mr Brittin “has deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly complex organization through transformation”.

“He is an outstanding leader and has the skills needed to lead the organization through the many changes occurring in the media marketplace and audience behavior.”

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 its 18th director general.

“Matt joins the BBC at a critical time. The Government’s review of the Charter is ongoing and it is clear that radical reforms are needed at the BBC, its funding model and the framework within which it operates. The stakes for the future of the BBC and public service broadcasting have never been higher.

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