Rhodri Talfan Davies promoted to BBC deputy director-general

Cardiff-born Rhodri Talfan Davies, who has worked at the BBC for more than 28 years, has been appointed as the broadcaster’s deputy director-general

Former BBC interim chief Rhodri Talfan Davies has been named as the corporation’s deputy director-general.

Mr Davies, 55, stepped in as the BBC’s interim director-general following Tim Davie’s resignation in April, leading the corporation until former Google executive Matt Brittin assumed the role in May.

A Cardiff native, the media figure and former BBC Cymru Wales director has spent more than 28 years at the BBC.

Most recently he served as director of nations where he oversaw services for local and regional audiences across Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland.

He will now be responsible for shaping and delivering the BBC’s editorial strategy, which includes maintaining public trust in the corporation and ensuring it responds swiftly to any editorial and operational challenges.

Mr Davies said: “I’m honoured to have been appointed deputy director-general.

“The BBC is a beacon of trust and excellence for millions of people here in the UK and globally.

“I’m looking forward to working with teams across the organisation to promote the highest editorial and creative standards and to uphold the BBC’s values across our services.”

Assuming the position with immediate effect he will also serve as a member of both the executive committee and BBC board.

Mr Brittin said: “Rhodri was the outstanding choice among several very strong candidates.

“He is a trusted, experienced leader – the BBC’s values seem woven into his DNA.

“I’ve got to know him myself in recent months and I’ve seen at first-hand how invaluable his judgement, breadth of experience, and sense of purpose are to this organisation.

“He is steeped in the BBC’s public service mission while sharing my ambition and sense of urgency to reinvent the BBC for the future.”