Rhodri Talfan Davies is set to become Interim Director-General of the BBC from early April.
The BBC Board has confirmed Rhodri will step into the role on 3 April, following Tim Davie’s departure the previous day, while the search for a permanent Director-General continues.
To support a smooth handover, Rhodri will join the BBC Board as an Executive Director from 1 February, a position he will continue to hold throughout his time as Interim Director-General. The Board says this early appointment is intended to provide continuity and stability at senior level in the weeks leading up to the leadership change.
Rhodri’s interim appointment comes as the BBC prepares its response to the government’s Green Paper consultation on the future of the BBC Charter, with Tim continuing to lead the organisation through this phase until he stands down.
BBC Chair Samir Shah told staff that Rhodri brings “deep editorial experience and a passionate commitment to the power of public service broadcasting to reach and represent audiences across all parts of the UK”. He added that staff support would be important as Rhodri takes on the role.
Alongside the Director-General transition, Rhuanedd Richards will remain in post as Interim Nations Director throughout the period, maintaining continuity across the BBC’s nations output.
Tim confirmed his resignation in November last year, and the process to appoint a new, permanent Director-General is already underway.