Despite persistent rumours that the BBC might see its first-ever female Director-General, The BBC Trust has instead named George Entwistle to the corporation”s senior post.

 

Entwistle, who is currently Director of the corporation”s broadcast/production arm BBC Vision, will take over from current Mark Thompson on a salary of £450,000 per year.

 

Announcing the appointment, BBC Trust Chairman Chris Patten said: “George is a creative leader for a creative organisation. His experience of making and delivering great programmes that audiences love – built up through many years of working for the Corporation – will prove invaluable as he and his team work to ensure the BBC remains the greatest broadcaster in the world. Above all George is passionate about the BBC, is committed to its public service ethos and has a clear vision for how it can harness the creativity and commitment of its staff to continue to serve audiences.”

 

Commenting on his own appointment, George Entwistle added: “I’;m delighted that the Chairman and Trustees have decided I’;m the right person for the job. And I’;m very excited about all that lies ahead. I love the BBC and it’;s a privilege to be asked to lead it into the next stage of its creative life.”

 

Outgoing DG Mark Thompson said: “I think this is a brilliant appointment. George has shown himself to be an outstanding leader with an intuitive understanding of public sector broadcasting. He has a formidable track record as a programme maker and has also shown his calibre as a leader. I wish him and the BBC every success in the years to come.”

 

Entwistle”s elevation does, of course, open up the BBC Vision post he previously held. Early favourites to secure the £285,000 per annum job are Emma Swain, Head of Knowledge Commissioning, and BBC1 Controller Danny Cohen.