George Entwistle lands BBC director general post

George Entwistle has been appointed the new director general of the BBC by the BBC Trust.

Entwistle takes over from Mark Thompson, who confirmed he would be stepping down from the post in March.

Current BBC Vision director Entwistle will take charge in the autumn, following the London 2012 Olympic Games.

BBC Trust chairman, Lord 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.”

Patten continued: “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 in ever more innovative ways.”

Speaking earlier today, 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.”

His precedessor Thompson said Entwistle has “shown himself to be an outstanding leader”, adding his view that it was a “brilliant appointment” of a man with a “formidable track record as a programme maker.”