The BBC Board has confirmed that Rhodri Talfan Davies will take charge as Interim Director-General until a new, permanent Director-General is appointed, as the broadcaster enters a key transition phase.

According to a media release issued by the BBC yesterday, Davies will join the BBC Board as an Executive Director from February 1 to ensure continuity in leadership. He will continue in this role when he formally assumes charge as Interim Director-General on April 3. During this period, Rhuanedd Richards will remain in her position as Interim Nations Director to maintain stability across the organisation.

In a note addressed to staff, BBC Chair Samir Shah said there would be an opportunity to formally acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of outgoing Director-General Tim Davie closer to his departure. Until then, Shah noted, Davie will continue to lead the corporation through what he described as a critical period, as the BBC prepares its response to the UK government’s consultation on the Green Paper concerning the future of the BBC Charter.

Commenting on Davies’ appointment, Shah described him as an outstanding leader with deep editorial experience and a strong belief in the role of public service broadcasting. He said Davies brings a clear commitment to reaching and representing audiences across all parts of the UK and expressed confidence that he would receive strong support from staff during the interim phase.

Tim Davie had resigned from the post on November 9 last year, and the BBC has since begun the process of selecting a new Director-General. Until a permanent appointment is finalised, Davies will oversee the organisation during this important transitional period.