New BBC boss vows to win back public's trust after slew of scandals decimated broadcaster

"Working alongside so many talented journalists, creatives and technicians, across the country and around the world, I join with humility to listen, to learn, to lead and to serve the public, working hard to earn their trust every day," Mr Brittin said.

He acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, describing his arrival as "a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity" for an organisation facing unprecedented scrutiny.

Mr Brittin spent 18 years at the technology giant, departing in 2025 after a decade leading its Europe, Middle East and Africa operations. Prior to Google, he worked as a McKinsey consultant.

He saw off competition from former Channel 4 Chief Executive Alex Mahon and Apple TV executive Jay Hunt, emerging as a dark horse candidate.

His annual pay will match that of Tim Davie at £565,000, and he will appoint a Deputy Director General to oversee news and programming.

Despite having no broadcasting background, the BBC board believes his tech industry expertise makes him ideally suited for an era when Google-owned YouTube commands larger audiences than the corporation's channels combined.

BBC Chairman Samir Shah said Mr Brittin possessed "deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly complex organisation through transformation" and described him as "an outstanding leader" capable of navigating rapid shifts in media consumption.

The scandals that precipitated Mr Davie's departure have left deep wounds at the corporation.

His resignation in November 2025, alongside BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness, followed revelations that Panorama had manipulated footage of a Donald Trump speech.

An internal dossier revealed the programme had edited the footage to falsely suggest the US President had directly incited violence when his supporters stormed the Capitol.

The broadcaster also faced criticism over a Gaza documentary that neglected to disclose its child narrator was the son of a Hamas official.

Adding to the corporation's woes, a racial slur was broadcast during the Bafta film awards coverage, further damaging its reputation for editorial rigour.

Mr Brittin faces a daunting array of immediate challenges upon taking office.

President Trump has launched a $10billion (£7.45billion) legal action against the corporation over the Panorama episode.

Simultaneously, the new director-general must navigate charter renewal discussions with the government while making the case for continued public funding.

BBC chairman Samir Shah acknowledged the organisation requires "radical reform" of both its funding model and operational framework, stating that "the stakes for the BBC and the future of public service broadcasting have never been higher".

The corporation must also confront persistent accusations that it has failed to uphold its commitment to impartiality, contributing to declining viewer trust.

Mr Brittin characterised the BBC as "an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity."

Dame Caroline Dinenage, who chairs Parliament's Culture, Media and Sport committee, warned the incoming director-general faces a substantial undertaking during what she termed "a period of turbulence."

The Conservative MP suggested Mr Brittin's technology sector background could prove advantageous but cautioned he must swiftly prove his dedication to public service broadcasting and grasp its crucial role within Britain's media landscape.

"He will also need to show that he can keep on top of maintaining editorial standards, which is vital for public trust in the BBC," Dame Caroline said.

Mr Brittin was selected as a member of the British Olympic rowing team in Seoul 1988 and won a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships in 1989.

The Cambridge alumnus also rowed in the 1987, 1988 and 1989 Boat Races.

He was made a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours list earlier this year for his services to technology and the enhancement of digital skills.