BBC Names Interim Director General, Confirms Tim Davie Will Exit in April

The BBC has named Rhodri Talfan Davies as its interim director general and confirmed that outgoing director general Tim Davie will exit in April.

Davie stepped down in November in the wake of a scandal over “Panorama’s” editing of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Jan. 6 speech, alongside CEO of news Deborah Turness. He will fully exit the company on April 3 and a search for a new director general is now underway.

Davies (pictured above), who is currently the BBC’s director of nations, will join the BBC Board on Feb. 1 as an executive director and will hold that position when he becomes interim director general on April 3. Rhuanedd Richards will serve as interim nations director.

“There will be a time to celebrate Tim and thank him for his extraordinary contribution to the BBC nearer his departure date,” BBC chair Samir Shah said in a note to staff on Wednesday. “Until then, Tim continues to lead the corporation through this critical period as we prepare our response to the government’s consultation on its Green Paper on the future of the BBC Charter.”

Of Davies, Shah added: “He is an outstanding leader who brings deep editorial experience and a passionate commitment to the power of public service broadcasting to reach and represent audiences across all parts of the U.K. I know you will give him your support.”

After the fallout over the “Panorama” edit resulted in the resignations of Davie and Turness, Trump sued the BBC for at least $10 billion over defamation claims. The BBC has said it plans to fight the lawsuit.