The BBC has announced Tim Davie will succeed Tony Hall as its 17th director general.
Davie will take up the role on 1st September. He is currently CEO of BBC Studios and has over 15 years of experience at an executive level within the BBC, including a period as acting director general.
He had been the favourite to succeed Hall, with the BBC believed to have drawn up a shortlist of four possible candidates.
The BBC has announced his annual salary has been set by the Board’s Remuneration Committee at £525,000, with no variable component. The BBC said the salary of the director general has not been increased since 2012, and “this is the level that the salary would have been had inflation been applied.”
Davie has agreed to take a salary “stand-still” and be paid the same as Tony Hall (£450,000) until August 2021, as all senior managers at the BBC are currently on a salary freeze. Last year (2018/19), as CEO of BBC Studios, Tim Davie was paid £600,000 (base salary and performance bonus).
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.”
Davie added, “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.”
