BBC names Rhodri Talfan Davies as Deputy Director-General

The BBC said his appointment followed a competitive internal recruitment process. Talfan Davies was previously Director of the BBC’s Nations division.

He was regarded as a front runner for the role after spending a number of weeks as caretaker Director General when Tim Davie stepped down earlier in April 2026. Davie was succeeded by former Google executive Matt Brittin last month.

Talfan Davies will work as Brittin’s second-in-command, responsible for the BBC’s editorial strategy and ensuring the corporation responds to any editorial and operational issues.

He will take up the role with immediate effect and serve as a member of both the Executive Committee and BBC Board.

Talfan Davies has worked at the BBC for more than 28 years in a variety of roles. Rhuanedd Richards will continue to lead Nations as interim Director.

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 judgment, 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.”

Talfan 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."

In an email to staff on his first day, new BBC Director General Matt Brittin described the broadcaster as a “force that brings people together” while acknowledging that it faces "very real challenges” and “must be where audiences are”. Discover more here.