Tim Davie to replace Tony Hall as BBC Director-General

Chief Executive Officer of BBC Studios Tim Davie has been appointed as the 17th Director-General of the BBC.

He will take over the role from Tony Hall on the 1st of September.

Tim was previously Director of BBC Audio & Music where he had overall responsibility for Radios 1, 2, 3, 4 and its digital services as well as music output and performing groups.

Sir David Clementi, Chairman of the BBC Board, says: “Tim has a strong track record as the CEO of BBC Studios and is one of the most respected names in the industry. His leadership and experience, both outside the BBC and within, will ensure that we are well placed to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming years. Tim has an enthusiasm and energy for reform, while holding dear to the core mission of the BBC.

“We know that the industry is undergoing unprecedented change and the organisation faces significant challenges as well as opportunities. I am confident that Tim is the right person to lead the BBC as it continues to reform and change.”

“My focus for the remainder of my own term as Chairman, until February of next year, will be to ensure that there is a smooth and successful handover and that the BBC continues to serve audiences across the whole of the UK.”

The Director-General of the BBC is the Corporation’s chief executive officer and editor in chief responsible for the creative, editorial and operational leadership of the BBC within the United Kingdom and around the globe.

Tim Davie’s annual salary has been set by the Board’s Remuneration Committee at £525,000, with no variable component. The salary of the Director-General has not been increased since 2012, and this is the level that the salary would have been had inflation been applied. Tim has agreed to take a salary stand-still and be paid the same as Tony Hall (£450,000) until August 2021, as all senior managers at the BBC are currently on a salary freeze. Last year (2018/19), as CEO of BBC Studios, Tim Davie was paid £600,000 (base salary and performance bonus).

Tim says: “I am honoured to be appointed the BBC’s next Director-General. This has been a critical time for the UK and these past few months have shown just how much the BBC matters to people. Our mission has never been more relevant, important or necessary. I have a deep commitment to content of the highest quality and impartiality.

“Looking forward, we will need to accelerate change so that we serve all our audiences in this fast-moving world. Much great work has been done, but we will continue to reform, make clear choices and stay relevant. I am very confident we can do this because of the amazing teams of people that work at the BBC.”

Current Director-General, Tony Hall, says: “I’m delighted that Tim has been appointed as the next Director-General. He is a fantastic leader. I wish him every success for the future. I know that the BBC is in safe hands.”

Ford Ennals, Digital Radio UK swelcomes the news: “I Think Tim’s appointment is great news for the radio sector. As an ex-Director of BBC Radio Tim knows and loves the radio and audio sector.

“Tim built excellent relationships with the Commercial Radio groups and their leaders and supported industry collaborations into delivering a digital future for UK radio such as Digital Radio UK and Radioplayer. He was a founding father and Director of Digital Radio UK and played a major role in the growth of digital radio and digital listening in the UK.”

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden added: “I congratulate Tim on his appointment as Director-General. The BBC is a great British institution and Tim will have a crucial role in making sure that it can deliver for audiences across the UK in a changing, fast-moving media landscape. I have spoken to Tim on his appointment and I am encouraged that he has underlined his commitment to impartiality at the BBC as well as the need for further reform. I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”