Who is Matt Brittin, the man tipped to be the next director-general of the BBC?
The former Google executive is reportedly in the frame for the top job.
Former Google boss Matt Brittin is tipped to replace Tim Davie and become the next director-general of the BBC.
The appointment of a tech executive, rather than someone with TV production and broadcasting experience, would mark a shift for the corporation.
Mr Brittin, 57, is a former McKinsey consultant who spent almost two decades at Google, rising to become the company’s president in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa until he announced his decision to leave last year.
His appointment would come as a disappointment for staff and commentators who were hoping for the first female director-general in the corporation’s history.
Among the names of women mooted were Alex Mahon, the former chief executive of Channel 4, and Charlotte Moore, the ex-BBC content boss who is now chief executive of production company Left Bank Pictures, which makes The Crown.
Ms Mahon, who was the first woman to lead Channel 4, is now the chief executive of festival and live entertainment group Superstruct Entertainment.
Asked if she would like to take on the job last month, she ruled herself out, pointing out she has only just started in her new role.
Mr Brittin announced his departure from Google in a post on LinkedIn, in which he spoke of “the transformative benefit that AI will have on billions of lives”.
He has since embarked on a “mini gap year”, writing: “I’ve already grown a beard, bought a single sculling boat and plan to learn scuba diving from my son when he qualifies as an instructor.”
Mr Brittin is a non-executive director of the Guardian Media Group board and prior to joining Google in 2007, spent time in media, marketing and strategy, including as commercial director at Trinity Mirror.
He also served for nine years on the board of Sainsbury’s and has been a trustee of charities including the Media Trust and the Climate Group.
Mr Brittin was 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.
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
