On 18th May 2026, Matt Brittin will become the 18th Director General of the BBC. Whilst having no experience of broadcasting or journalism, it is believed he intends to appoint a Deputy Director General who does have the experience he lacks. On his appointment he said ‘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…’
He was born in Surrey in 1968 and became a rower, representing Great Britain for 5 years, his rowing career ending in 1989 with a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships. He received an MBA from the London Business School with distinction in 1997. After an early career as a chartered surveyor in 2004 he became commercial director at Trinity Mirror, owner of The Daily Mirror. Two years later he was promoted to director of strategy and digital. The move to Google in 2007 was to last 18 years and he quickly moved up the ranks until he became President of EMEA Business and Operations in 2014. He left Google in 2025.
Samir Shah, Chairman of the BBC Board, said: “Matt brings to the BBC deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly complex organisation through transformation. He is an outstanding leader and has the skills needed to navigate the organisation through the many changes taking place in the media market and in audience behaviours…’
There is no doubt that being Director General is a huge public role and we must all wish him well. Let us hope that he can successfully navigate the BBC through difficult times and re-build its reputation and land a satisfactory Royal Charter and a new funding model. This month’s Media Report reports on what the Press and media have been saying about him and his appointment.
