BBC director-general Tony Hall is to step down from the organisation in the summer.
In a letter released to staff this morning, Lord Hall says it would be in the best interests of the organisation it would be best for a single figure to secure the BBC’s charter beyond 2027 and the mid-term review scheduled for 2022.
Lord Hall says he believes he is leaving the corporation in a much stronger place than when he joined and the BBC is now a very different organisation that is more innovative, open and inclusive.
“Change has been tough at times – and of course there is still more to do. But I believe our recent record of transformation stands comparison with virtually any other creative organisation in the world.”
Commenting on his departure, Chairman of the BBC, Sir David Clementi, says: “Tony Hall is an inspirational creative leader, within the UK and around the globe, and the BBC has been lucky to have him as our director-general for the last seven years. Tony has led the BBC with integrity and a passion for our values that is obvious to everyone who meets him. His reforms have shaped the BBC for the future and he will leave the BBC in the summer with our gratitude and our very best wishes.
Lord Hall was appointed director-general in 2012, replacing George Entwhistle, who was forced to resign over a botched Newsnight report just 54 days into the job.
A former head of BBC News and the Royal Opera House, Lord Hall has contended with the rise of streaming services, concern over equal pay, and the inevitable accusations of bias from all sides.
