George Entwistle named as BBC boss
The BBC, Marketing Week’s Brand of the Year, has named George Entwistle, who currently heads up Vision, the BBC’s multiplatform division, as director general to replace Mark Thompson when he steps down in the autumn.
Entwistle will have full responsibility for the BBC’s editorial, operational and creative direction across TV, radio and online.
The role comprises both the chief executive officer and editor-in-chief roles at the BBC and chairs the executive board.
He has previously held the controller of knowledge commissioning and head of current affairs roles where he headed up programmes such as Panorama and Newsnight.
He will take home an annual salary of £450,000 – Thompson currently earns £671,000 per year.
BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten said in a BBC statement: “George is a creative leader for a creative organisation. His experience of making and delivering great programmes that audiences love – built up through many years of working for the Corporation – will prove invaluable as he and his team work to ensure the BBC remains the greatest broadcaster in the world.
“Above all George is passionate about the BBC, is committed to its public service ethos and has a clear vision for how it can harness the creativity and commitment of its staff to continue to serve audiences in ever more innovative ways.”
Thompson, who announced his plans to leave the BBC in March, says: “I think this is a brilliant appointment. George has shown himself to be an outstanding leader with an intuitive understanding of public sector broadcasting. He has a formidable track record as a programme maker and in recent years has also shown his calibre as a leader. I wish him and the BBC every success in the years to come.”
For a full insight into the BBC, read our June cover feature and interview with Mark Thompson here: http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/trends/branding-the-bbc/4002433.article
