Former Google executive takes reins at scandal-hit BBC

Published on

18/05/2026 - 15:29 GMT+2

A former Google executive took over as the BBC's new director-general on Monday amid proposed job cuts and a $10-billion (€8.5 billion) lawsuit brought by US President Donald Trump, arguing that the world now "needs the BBC more than ever."

Matt Brittin, 57, who has no broadcasting or journalism experience, starts the job against a background of drastic shifts in the media landscape.

The British-born executive was president of Google's Europe, Middle East and Africa division for over a decade, which earns around a third of its revenue. He previously worked as a consultant for McKinsey.