George Entwistle named new BBC director general

George Entwistle has today been named the new director general of the BBC.

Entwistle, who is currently director of BBC Vision, will take over from outgoing director general Mark Thompson on 17th September.

Announcing the appointment outside BBC Broadcasting House, BBC Trust Chairman Lord Patten said: “George is a creative leader for a creative organisation.”

The BBC Trust said Mr Entwistle would be paid an annual salary of �450,000.

“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,” George Entwistle said.

“Mark Thompson will be a tough act to follow but it’s a privilege to be asked to lead the greatest broadcasting organisation in the world.”

Mr Entwistle – who will be celebrating his 50th birthday this weekend – was selected by a panel at the BBC Trust, the governing body of the BBC, led by chairman Lord Patten.