BBC Studios chief Tim Davie will replace Tony Hall as director-general
- The role carries responsibility for creative, editorial, operational leadership
- Mr Davie said he was ‘honoured’ to be appointed during ‘a critical time for UK’
- Outgoing Mr Hall said he was ‘a fantastic leader’ and the BBC ‘is in safe hands’
BBC Studios head Tim Davie will replace Tony Hall as the director-general of the corporation, it has been announced.
The £525,000-a-year role carries responsibility for the creative, editorial and operational leadership of the BBC both nationally and around the globe.
However, Mr Davie agreed to take a ‘salary stand-still’, meaning he will instead pocket £450,000 – the same as his predecessor – until August 2021.
He will be earning less than in his previous role at BBC Studios, when he was paid £600,000 in base salary and performance bonus.
He said today: ‘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.
BBC Studios head Tim Davie will replace Tony Hall as the director-general of the corporation, it has been announced
‘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.’
Sir David Clementi, Chairman of the BBC Board, said: ‘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.’
Outgoing Director-General Mr Hall described him as ‘a fantastic leader’ and said the BBC ‘is in safe hands’.