BBC Studios chief Tim Davie will replace Tony Hall as director-general 

BBC Studios head Tim Davie will replace Tony Hall as the director-general of the corporation, it has been announced.

The chief executive of the corporation’s commercial production and distribution arm has been among the favourites to replace Lord Hall since he announced in January that he was departing after seven years in the post.

However, his appointment came as something of a disappointment to those who were hoping a woman would be given the top job for the first time, with director of content Charlotte Moore having also been in the running. 

Mr Davie was acting director-general for four months following George Entwistle’s resignation over the Jimmy Savile scandal in November 2012, and previously served as the corporation’s head of audio.

Before joining the BBC in 2005, he worked in marketing, making his name by turning Pepsi blue in 1996.

Lord Hall’s exit comes amid a turbulent time for the BBC, with the spotlight firmly on a number of issues around equal pay, diversity, free TV licences for the over-75s and competition from streaming services such as Netflix, as well as the on-going coronavirus crisis.

Lord Hall previously warned of a potential loss of £125 million for the broadcaster as a result of the pandemic.

Mr Davie will take over the job, which carries responsibility for the creative, editorial and operational leadership of the BBC both nationally and around the globe, and is worth £525,000-a-year, on September 1. 

He will be the 17th Director-General – all of whom have been male and white. 

The 53-year-old 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. 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, added: ‘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’. 

The corporation also said Mr Davie had agreed to take a salary freeze, meaning he will pocket £450,000 – the same as his predecessor – until August 2021, a sum less than what he earned in his previous role at BBC Studios, when he was paid £600,000 in base salary and performance bonus. 

The process for appointing the Director-General was led by the board’s Nominations Committee under the leadership of Chairman Sir David Clementi, with members Dame Elan Closs Stephens, Sir Nicholas Serota and Dr Ashley Steel.