Tuesday, May 25, 2004
New DG
Michael Grade, the new chairman, has selected Mark Thompson to be the next Director General. Mark was director of Nations and Regions for a short time. I met him at a BBC event in Bradford called Futureworld. I was impressed with him then and I think he is a good choice now. I hope he hasn't forgotten his months as my boss!
Here's the statement issued by the governors after Mark's appointment:
STATEMENT BY THE BBC’S BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The Board of Governors has today concluded its process to select a BBC Director-General by appointing Mark Thompson. The decision was unanimous.
In considering the requirements of the role, the Governors sought a candidate with unquestionable public service credentials and commitment to the BBC’s editorial mission. They also required a candidate with the qualities to lead the BBC successfully through the Charter review process.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, BBC Chairman Michael Grade said: “We were impressed by Mark Thompson’s analysis of the challenges facing the BBC, and by his track record. We concluded that he was the right person to lead the BBC at this important period in its history.
“All the Governors wish to place on record their immense gratitude to Mark Byford for his outstanding stewardship of the BBC over the last few difficult months.”
and this is Michael Grade's email to all staff:
The Governors have completed their search for the next Director-General
and, on behalf of the Board, I am delighted to announce we have today
appointed Mark Thompson.
I am sure everyone will want to join the Governors in welcoming Mark
Thompson back to the BBC. The Board is delighted he will lead the BBC
into the future.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Mark Byford for leading the BBC
over the last few months. He has done an outstanding job in very
difficult circumstances and all of us owe him our thanks.
I hope this email reaches some of you before you hear the announcement
from the media. I and the rest of the Board were anxious to inform
staff first and we are sorry we were not able to do so during office
hours.
Michael Grade
Michael Grade, the new chairman, has selected Mark Thompson to be the next Director General. Mark was director of Nations and Regions for a short time. I met him at a BBC event in Bradford called Futureworld. I was impressed with him then and I think he is a good choice now. I hope he hasn't forgotten his months as my boss!
Here's the statement issued by the governors after Mark's appointment:
STATEMENT BY THE BBC’S BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The Board of Governors has today concluded its process to select a BBC Director-General by appointing Mark Thompson. The decision was unanimous.
In considering the requirements of the role, the Governors sought a candidate with unquestionable public service credentials and commitment to the BBC’s editorial mission. They also required a candidate with the qualities to lead the BBC successfully through the Charter review process.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, BBC Chairman Michael Grade said: “We were impressed by Mark Thompson’s analysis of the challenges facing the BBC, and by his track record. We concluded that he was the right person to lead the BBC at this important period in its history.
“All the Governors wish to place on record their immense gratitude to Mark Byford for his outstanding stewardship of the BBC over the last few difficult months.”
and this is Michael Grade's email to all staff:
The Governors have completed their search for the next Director-General
and, on behalf of the Board, I am delighted to announce we have today
appointed Mark Thompson.
I am sure everyone will want to join the Governors in welcoming Mark
Thompson back to the BBC. The Board is delighted he will lead the BBC
into the future.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Mark Byford for leading the BBC
over the last few months. He has done an outstanding job in very
difficult circumstances and all of us owe him our thanks.
I hope this email reaches some of you before you hear the announcement
from the media. I and the rest of the Board were anxious to inform
staff first and we are sorry we were not able to do so during office
hours.
Michael Grade
