Next BBC director-general finally revealed – and he’s already shared how he feels about Doctor Who

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Okay, so I just heard some interesting news! Apparently, the BBC has a new director-general, and it’s a seriously impressive pick. It’s a former exec from Google, which is cool enough, but get this – they also competed for Team GB at the Olympics! Talk about a diverse background – I’m really curious to see what fresh ideas they bring to the BBC.

According to The Times, Matt Brittin will likely be named to the position this week, following his appointment by the BBC board on Thursday.

Tim Davie is stepping down as director-general next month, and Rhodri Talfan Davies, currently an executive director on the BBC board, will temporarily take his place. It’s not yet known when Brittin will become the permanent director-general.

Brittin began his career at Google in 2007, initially leading the company’s operations in the UK. He later became president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, a position he held for nearly 20 years before stepping down in 2024.

After leaving his previous role, the 57-year-old embarked on what he calls a “gap year.” He shared on LinkedIn that he’s been growing a beard, purchased a rowing scull, and plans to learn to scuba dive from his son, who is training to become an instructor.

He’s set to become the BBC’s 18th director-general, and notably, he’s the first person to take on the role without a background in traditional TV journalism.

He’s previously served on the boards of The Guardian and the Media Trust. Before that, he worked in digital journalism for Trinity Mirror, which is now known as Reach.

After other potential candidates, like Jay Hunt from Apple TV and Alex Mahon, the former head of Channel 4, dropped out, Brittin emerged as a strong candidate for the top job at the BBC in February.

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He’s talked before about how much he loves the classic BBC series Doctor Who. In a recent speech to the Royal Television Society, he emphasized the worldwide influence of British TV, using the popular show as a prime example of the UK’s successful and well-known creative industries.

While studying at the University of Cambridge, Brittin rowed for Cambridge in the annual Boat Race against Oxford three times before joining the Great Britain national rowing team.

He rowed for Great Britain at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and earned a bronze medal at the 1989 World Rowing Championships.

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Authors

Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer

Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a freelance writer specializing in pop culture and entertainment for TopMob. Before that, she was a Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab, where she oversaw their local team. She holds a BA (Hons) degree in English Literature from the University of Nottingham.

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2026-03-23 15:07