Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie has been appointed co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, taking up the role from 1 August.
Davie will succeed Sir Peter Bazalgette, whose term ends on 31 July, and will initially serve alongside Shriti Vadera until she steps down at the end of December. He will then become the sole industry co-chair.
The council, which brings together government and industry leaders, plays a central role in shaping policy and supporting growth across the UK’s creative sectors, currently valued at £145.8 billion.
Davie will co-chair the body alongside Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Business Secretary Peter Kyle, with a focus on priorities set out in the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, including innovation, skills, access to finance, trade and investment.
His appointment marks a return to the role, having previously served as industry co-chair in 2018.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said Davie’s experience leading the BBC since 2020, alongside earlier roles at BBC Studios and across the corporation’s executive team, positions him to help drive the next phase of growth in the sector.
Nandy said Davie brings “a wealth of knowledge” and paid tribute to Bazalgette and Vadera for their contribution, including the development of the Creative Industries Sector Plan under the government’s industrial strategy.
Davie said the role was a “privilege” and highlighted the opportunity for the UK’s creative industries to deliver economic growth while supporting jobs and skills nationwide.
Kyle added that Davie’s appointment would help strengthen the UK’s position as a “global creative superpower”.
The Creative Industries Council acts as a key forum for aligning government policy with industry priorities, as the UK looks to expand one of its fastest-growing economic sectors.
