BBC appoints Rhodri Talfan Davies as Interim Director General

Davies will reportedly have the position until a new, permanent Director-General is appointed. To smooth the transition, Davies will join the BBC Board from 1 February 2026 as an Executive Director, a position he will continue to hold when he takes over as Interim Director-General on 3 April 2026. In addition, Rhuanedd Richards will continue as Interim Nations Director throughout this period.

In a note to staff, Samir Shah, Chair of the BBC, said: “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.”

Prior to this Interim Director General role, Davies had been BBC Executive Sponsor for Generative AI Development for almost three years. Before this, the executive was the BBC Director of Nations for four years, and the Director of BBC Wales from 2011 to December 2020. 

On Davies’ appointment, Shah added: “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.”

BBC Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness tendered their resignations in November 2025, following a series of events revolving around an edit of Donald Trump’s speech during the US Capitol riots. Discover more here.