Former Google Executive Matt Brittin Is BBC’s New Director-General

Former Google executive Matt Brittin has assumed office as the new Director-General of the BBC. “I’ve just had a really strong coffee and a deep breath, and I’m about to walk through those doors as the new Director-General,” said Matt Brittin. “I’m really honoured to be doing that and humbled to take the role.” He added, “The world needs the BBC more than ever…”

Matt Brittin joined Google in January 2007 and was appointed managing director of Google UK in 2009, succeeding Dennis Woodside. In September 2011, he advanced to vice-president for Northern and Central Europe. Matt Brittin has no prior professional experience in broadcasting or journalism. Before taking on his role as Director-General of the BBC, his career was primarily in the technology and digital media sectors, most notably serving as Google’s President of Business and Operations for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Brittin succeeds Tim Davie, who resigned last year following criticism that a Panorama documentary misled viewers by editing a speech by US President Donald Trump—who is now suing the corporation.

In March 2026, Matt Brittin was announced as the new Director-General of the BBC, officially taking up the role on 18 May 2026.