Matt Brittin
Director-General 2026-
Matt joined Google in 2007 to lead the UK business and left in 2025 after heading their EMEA region for ten years. He previously worked in regional and national press and in consulting on media and technology. Matt served on the Board of Sainsbury’s for nine years and has just stepped down from the Board of the Guardian Media Group.
Matt Brittin, said: “Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world. At its best, it shows us, and the world, who we are. It’s an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity. I’m honoured and excited to be asked to serve as Director-General.
“Working alongside so many talented journalists, creatives and technicians, across the country and around the world, I join with humility, to listen, to learn, to lead, and to serve the public, working hard to earn their trust every day.
“This is a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity. The BBC needs the pace and energy to be both where stories are, and where audiences are. To build on the reach, trust and creative strengths today, confront challenges with courage, and thrive as a public service fit for the future. I can’t wait to start this work.”
Directors-General
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John Reith
First Director-General, 1922-1938 -
FW Ogilvie
Second Director-General 1938-1942 -
Cecil Graves
Joint Director-General 1942-1943 -
RW Foot
Joint Director-General 1942-1943, Fourth Director-General 1943-1944 -
William Haley
Fifth Director-General 1944-1952 -
Ian Jacob
Sixth Director-General 1952-1959 -
Hugh Carleton-Greene
Seventh Director-General 1960-1969 -
Charles Curran
Eighth Director-General 1969-1977 -
Ian Trethowan
Ninth Director-General 1977-1982 -
Alasdair Milne
Tenth Director-General 1982-1987 -
Michael Checkland
Eleventh Director-General 1987-1992 -
John Birt
Twelfth Director-General 1992-2000 -
Greg Dyke
Thirteenth Director-General 2000-2004 -
Mark Thompson
Fourteenth Director-General 2004-2012 -
George Entwistle
Fifteenth Director-General 2012 -
Tony Hall
Sixteenth Director-General 2013-2020 -
Tim Davie
Seventeenth Director-General 2020-2026 -
Matt Brittin
Eighteenth Director-General 2026-