George Entwistle announced as next Director General at the BBC, prepares for world service
The good-ship BBC won't steer itself, and it's just been announced that George Entwistle is the next to take the wheel. Currently director of BBC Vision (the Beeb's fancy name for TV,) Entwistle will take over from Mark Thompson, who announced back in March that he'd be leaving Auntie's warm embrace. Appointment to the £450,000-a-year (about $702,000) role is always keenly observed, with much of the future direction of the broadcasting stalwart considered to rest on its shoulders. Entwistle cut his teeth on such programs as Tomorrow's World, Panorama and Newsnight, before working his way into more executive roles. Thompson will hold the fort until after the Olympics, before handing the (figurative) baton over to Entwistle.
[Image courtesy: BBC]
Show full PR text
George Entwistle appointed as Director-General of the BBC
The BBC Trust has today appointed George Entwistle as the Director-General of the BBC.
George Entwistle, who is currently Director of BBC Vision, will take over from current Director-General Mark Thompson on a salary of £450,000 per year.
Mark Thompson announced his intention to leave the BBC in March this year and will hand over to George Entwistle in the autumn.
Announcing the appointment, BBC Trust Chairman Lord Patten said:
"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."
George Entwistle said:
"I'm delighted that the Chairman and Trustees have decided I'm the right person for the job. And I'm very excited about all that lies ahead. I love the BBC and it's a privilege to be asked to lead it into the next stage of its creative life."
Mark Thompson said:
"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."
Lord Patten added:
"I once again want to pay tribute to Mark Thompson. His creativity, vision and leadership have made him an outstanding Director-General of the BBC and he will be sorely missed."
