The BBC has announced the appointment of Rhodri Talfan Davies as its interim director-general, following the resignation of Tim Davie. Mr Davies, currently the BBC's Director of Nations, will assume the interim leadership role from April 3, marking a significant transition for the public service broadcaster.
Leadership Transition and Interim Appointment
Rhodri Talfan Davies, a Welsh executive who also sits on the BBC's executive committee, will join the BBC board as an executive director from February 1. He will hold this position until he officially takes over as interim director-general in early April. This interim appointment comes as the corporation navigates a critical period, including preparing its response to the Government's consultation on the future of the BBC charter.
Background and Responsibilities
Mr Davies has served as Director of Nations since 2021, overseeing the BBC's work across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In this role, he has been instrumental in leading the BBC's Across The UK strategy, which aims to decentralise the organisation and better serve local audiences. Additionally, he has been at the forefront of the corporation's deployment of generative artificial intelligence technology, showcasing his commitment to innovation within public service broadcasting.
His annual salary, as of July 2025, was reported to be between £305,000 and £309,999. Mr Davies is a former director of BBC Wales, a position also held by his father, Geraint, highlighting a deep familial connection to the broadcaster.
Statements from BBC Leadership
In a note to staff, BBC chair Samir Shah praised Mr Davies, 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." Mr Shah expressed confidence that staff would offer their full support to Mr Davies during this interim period.
Regarding Tim Davie's departure, set for April 2, Mr Shah added, "There will be a time to celebrate Tim and thank him for his extraordinary contribution to the BBC nearer his departure date." He emphasised that Mr Davie continues to lead the corporation through this pivotal time.
Context of Davie's Resignation
Tim Davie resigned from his role as director-general in November, following allegations that the BBC selectively edited a speech by Donald Trump related to the US Capitol attack for a Panorama documentary. In a statement to staff, Mr Davie acknowledged the challenges, saying, "Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable." He noted that the ongoing debate around BBC News contributed to his decision, while taking ultimate responsibility for any mistakes made during his tenure, which began in 2020.
Ongoing Processes and Interim Arrangements
The BBC has confirmed that the process to appoint a permanent director-general is now underway, indicating a longer-term search for leadership stability. In the meantime, Rhuanedd Richards will continue as the interim nations director, ensuring continuity in the Director of Nations role while Mr Davies serves in his interim capacity.
This appointment underscores the BBC's commitment to maintaining strong leadership during a period of scrutiny and change, as it addresses both internal challenges and external pressures related to its charter and public trust.
