Richard Sharp has been named as the new chair of the BBC and will take over from David Clementi.
Sharp was first tipped as the main contender for the post in October. He was chancellor Rishi Sunak’s boss while at Goldman and was also an adviser to prime minister Boris Johnson during his time as London mayor.
He took an unpaid role advising the Treasury when the coronavirus pandemic hit, and played a part in organising the £1.5 billion arts bailout and a £500 million insurance deal to help TV production restart.
David Clementi is due to step down from the his role as chair next month, having announced his plans to quit in June 2020.
Sharp will now appear before MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for pre-appointment scrutiny on 14th January.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Richard’s leadership in the top flight of finance and commerce, combined with his passion for culture and public service make him the ideal person for this hugely important role.
“He is exactly the chair the BBC needs right now. I’m confident he will drive forward reforms to the BBC to ensure it impartially reflects and serves the needs of all parts of the UK, and evolves to remain a global success that is central to British national life in the decades ahead.
Sharp said: “The BBC is at the heart of British cultural life and I’m honoured to be offered the chance to help guide it through the next chapter in its history.”
