The man who is most likely to become the next director general of the BBC describes himself as a “gap year student, part time athlete” on his LinkedIn profile. After leaving his position as President of Google in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at the end of 2024, Matt Brittin has been enjoying what he called a “mini gap year” following his nearly two decades with the large internet corporation.
I’ve already grown a beard, bought a single sculling boat and plan to learn scuba diving” was written at the time by the former Great Britain World Rowing champion, who temporarily worked for Trinity Mirror (now the newsbrand Reach) before joining the board of the Guardian Media Group in 2025.
He will likely have the most scrutinized position in British media when he is confirmed as director general in the coming days, and if the experience of the majority of his predecessors is any indication, he will require more than a tank of air to survive what lies ahead. He’ll undoubtedly wish he was still swimming with sharks at times.
However, he will also have the largest position in British media, with a staff in need of dynamic direction following some painful errors, high-level resignations, and a defamation lawsuit brought by President Trump.
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