RTÉ says Kevin Bakhurst will become its new director-general when Dee Forbes steps down on 11 July.
Mr Bakhurst was previously managing director of News & Current Affairs at RTÉ and deputy director-general from September 2012 to October 2016. He has also held a range of editorial positions at the BBC including BBC News Channel and Deputy Head, BBC Newsroom from 2005. Most recently he was Group Director, Broadcasting and Online at Ofcom and a member of the Ofcom Board.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Bakhurst said: “I am honoured and delighted to take up the role of Director General. RTÉ plays a central role in Irish life and has brilliant people dedicated to delivering great and trusted content for audiences. RTÉ faces huge challenges and global competition, and I am confident we can deliver the ambitious change needed to remain valued and relevant to our audiences. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process, with Mr Bakhurst emerging as the unanimous choice of the RTÉ Board.
“Kevin brings an exceptional breadth of industry experience, great leadership skills and a passionate commitment to the development of public service broadcasting in all its forms,” said Siún Ní Raghallaigh, who chairs the RTÉ Board. “Kevin’s appointment comes at time of opportunity and change for RTÉ. With my fellow Board members, I look forward to working with Kevin in our shared commitment to a thriving and financially sustainable RTÉ.”
RTÉ will confirm Kevin Bakhurst’s official start date as director-general of RTÉ in due course.
