Rhodri Talfan Davies, currently director of nations, will take over as the BBC’s interim director-general on April 3 following Tim Davie’s resignation in November
Rhodri Talfan Davies, the BBC’s director of nations, has been named as the broadcaster’s interim director-general following Tim Davie’s exit. Cardiff-born Mr Davies, who already serves on the BBC‘s executive committee, will join the BBC board as an executive director from February 1, a role he will maintain until assuming the interim director-general position on April 3.
BBC chair Samir Shah praised Mr Davies in a staff memo, stating: “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 UK. I know you will give him your support.”
Regarding Mr Davie, Mr Shah noted: “There will be a time to celebrate Tim and thank him for his extraordinary contribution to the BBC nearer his departure date. 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.”
Mr Davie stepped down in November amid claims that the BBC had selectively edited Donald Trump’s speech from the day of the US Capitol attack for a Panorama documentary.
In a message to staff after leaving the position he’d held since 2020 he said: “Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable.
“While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision. Overall the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as director-general I have to take ultimate responsibility.”
The BBC confirmed that recruitment for a permanent director-general is now under way. It also announced that Rhuanedd Richards will remain as interim nations director whilst Mr Davies takes on the temporary position.
In his role as director of nations Mr Davies has been responsible for overseeing the corporation’s services to nations and local audiences throughout Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland since 2021.
He is also spearheading the BBC’s Across The UK strategy aimed at decentralising the organisation, alongside leading the corporation’s implementation of generative artificial intelligence technology.
Born in Cardiff, Mr Davies attended Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf before moving to Newcastle where he attended Royal Grammar School. He went on to study at the University of Oxford before returning to Cardiff where he received a postgraduate diploma in journalism.
He became a sub-editor at the Western Mail in 1993 before joining the BBC as a news trainee. He remained a news reporter and then a producer with the BBC until 1999.
He has since held roles as head of regional programmes at BBC West and director of BBC Cymru Wales. As of July 2025 Mr Davies received an annual salary from the BBC of between £305,000 and £309,999.
