New BBC Trust chair: Sir David Clementi

The man who recommended the abolition of the BBC Trust has been named as the last chairman of the governing body before it hands over to the new BBC Board.

Sir David Clementi, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England and chairman of Prudential PLC, has been named as the government’s preferred candidate to be chairman of the BBC Trust. He led the September 2015 review that will lead to the demise of the BBC Trust as part of the public broadcaster’s new charter.

Sir David will now appear before the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for pre-appointment scrutiny on January 17 2017.

Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley, said: “The new BBC Charter will secure the future of the BBC, strengthen it and give it an unprecedented degree of independence. It will make it more transparent, accountable and representative. I am confident that Sir David will provide the strong leadership necessary for the BBC to remain the world’s best broadcaster.”

He is expected to go on to chair the BBC Board. The chairmanship is expected to command an annual salary of £100,000.

Tony Hall, Director-General of the BBC, said: “I am delighted that Sir David Clementi has been announced as the preferred candidate. I am really looking forward to working with him.”

Commenting on his appointment Sir David said: The BBC is a world class broadcaster and one of the UK’s most beloved and cherished institutions. It would be a great honour to join the BBC at an important time in the organisation’s history.”

Under the terms of the BBC Royal Charter, the appointment of the BBC Chair and members is made by The Queen on the recommendation from Ministers (the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, through the Prime Minister).

News source: broadbandtvnews.com

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