Tim Davie to lead UK’s Creative Industries Council after leaving BBC

This will be the second time Davie serves as Industry Chair of the council, having previously held the post in 2018. 

Sir Peter Bazalgette will leave his position as Co-Chair when his term ends on 31 July 2026, and Baroness Shriti Vadera on 31 December 2026. Davie will join Vadera as Co-Chair from 1 August 2026 and become the sole industry chair upon her departure.

The former BBC Director-General will lead the council alongside Co-Chairs Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Business Secretary Peter Kyle. Under Davie, the council will continue to focus on Sector Plan priorities – including innovation, access to finance, workforce, trade, and investment.

Davie decided to leave the BBC position last year, over the scandal of Panorama’s misleading edit of President Trump’s speech during the US Capitol riots. Davie first took up the Director-General mantle in 2020, after joining the organisation as the Director of Marketing, Communications and Audiences in 2005. He has also served as the corporation’s Director of Audio and Music, on the BBC’s executive board, and Chief Executive of BBC Studios, among other roles. Beyond this, Davie was a Trustee of both the Tate and the Royal Television Society.

Former Google executive Matt Brittin has since been confirmed as the next Director-General for the BBC.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Tim brings with him a wealth of knowledge from his diverse career, including his previous tenure in this position. I would also like to thank Baz and Shriti for their incredible contribution to the council, which has been invaluable in supporting the future of these sectors.”

Tim Davie, incoming Chair of the CIC, added: “It is a privilege to be asked to Chair the CIC and champion a sector that’s a world-class success story for the UK. With the right backing, there’s a huge opportunity for our creative industries to deliver not only significant growth for the UK economy in the years ahead, but good growth that supports jobs and skills in every part of the country. I look forward to working with the government to ensure that this sector will continue to punch well above its weight for the UK.”

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Our creative industries are world-leading, and Tim’s strong experience will enhance the UK’s position as a global creative superpower and help drive the sector into the future. With creative industries identified as a key growth sector in our Modern Industrial Strategy, we’re delivering long-term growth and opportunities that support skilled jobs and raise living standards across the UK.”

Sir Peter Bazalgette, outgoing Co-Chair of the CIC, stated: “Tim preceded me as Co-Chair, and now, he’s happily succeeding me as well. I can think of no one better qualified to push forward the growth and innovation of the Creative Industries. He gets it.”

Baroness Shriti Vadera, Co-Chair of the CIC, concluded: “I am very much looking forward to working with Tim – he is an inspired choice. I want to extend my deep thanks to Baz for his outstanding contribution to Creative Industries and for being a brilliant co-chair on the strategy taskforce and the CIC.”

The UK government recently named the new members of its Creative Industries Council (CIC), its strategic forum for collaboration with industry leaders. Discover more here.