Ex-Google executive Matt Brittin confirmed as BBC's new director general

The role comes at 'a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity'

Former Google executive Matt Brittin has been appointed director general of the BBC, taking on one of the most high-profile roles in British media at a time of significant uncertainty for the corporation.

Brittin, 57, who previously led Google's operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will take up the role on 18th May.

Brittin's name had been circulating in media for weeks following the resignation of current director-general Tim Davie in November over the editing of a documentary featuring Donald Trump.

BBC chairman Samir Shah said Brittin's experience managing complex organisations would help steer the publicly funded broadcaster through structural and market shifts.

"It is clear there is need for radical reform of the BBC, its funding model and the framework in which it operates," Shah said. "The stakes for the BBC, and the future of public service broadcasting, have never been higher."

Brittin said the role comes at "a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity." He stressed the need for the BBC to adapt to evolving audience expectations while maintaining its editorial strengths.

"The BBC needs the pace and energy to be both where stories are, and where audiences are," he stated.

Career background

Brittin spent 18 years at Google after joining in 2007, rising through senior roles to become president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2014.

He stepped down in 2025 and subsequently took a short career break.

Before joining Google, he held senior commercial and strategy roles at Trinity Mirror. He was also appointed a non-executive director of Guardian Media Group in 2025 but has since stepped down.

Educated at the University of Cambridge, Brittin represented the university in the Boat Race and later won a bronze medal for Great Britain at the 1989 World Rowing Championships.

He also holds a master's degree from London Business School.

Brittin will be paid £565,000 annually, in line with his predecessor.

Reform and scrutiny

Brittin assumes leadership as the British government reviews the BBC's royal charter, which sets out its mission and funding model.

The current charter is due to expire in 2027, and ministers have signalled the need for significant reform, including possible changes to the licence fee system.

Brittin will also need to address a high-profile legal case involving Trump, who has filed a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against the BBC.

The claim centres on how Panorama edited segments of a speech he delivered on 6 January 2021.

The BBC has apologised for the editing and has asked a court to dismiss the case, arguing the programme did not air in the United States.

Mixed reactions

Brittin's appointment has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics questioning whether a candidate from the technology sector has sufficient editorial and public service broadcasting experience.

However, supporters say his background could prove valuable as the BBC competes with global digital platforms for audiences.

During his time at Google, Brittin appeared before parliamentary committees and faced questioning from lawmakers over the company's tax arrangements in Britain.

As BBC chief, he is expected to face regular scrutiny from MPs, particularly as debates over funding and governance intensify.