Tim Davie named as new BBC Director-General

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 2mo

The BBC confirms that BBC Studios head Tim Davie will take over as its new Director-General from September.

The BBC has confirmed that Tim Davie is to take over from Tony Hall as its new Director-General in September.

The 53-year-old has been involved with the BBC for 15 years and is currently chief executive of BBC Studios, the corporation's production and distribution arm.

As the BBC's most senior figure, Davie will face some tough tasks in the year to come, including finding around £125 million a year in savings and negotiating the future of the licence fee beyond 2027 with the government.

Speaking about his appointment, Davie said: "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."

Davie will take a £75,000-a-year pay cut in order to take up the new role on September 1.