BBC senior executive promoted to director general

LONDON — Tim Davie, one of the BBC’s most senior executives, will lead the British public broadcaster as its new director general.

The corporation announced Friday Davie has been promoted from chief executive of BBC Studios, the subsidiary firm that sells BBC programs overseas. Davie has spent most of his professional career at the broadcaster, which he joined in 2005 from Pepsi.

He will become the 17th director general, taking over from Tony Hall, who is stepping down this summer after seven years in the role.

Davie’s in-tray will include negotiating the future of the license fee, the BBC’s main source of income, with the U.K. government. The system will stay in place until at least 2027, but ministers are going to review funding from 2022 onwards.

He will also have to fight to attract younger audiences, amid intense competition with other online platforms, and deliver on the government’s request to represent all corners of the U.K. in its coverage.

David Clementi, outgoing chairman of the BBC Board, said in a statement that Davie “has an enthusiasm and energy for reform, while holding dear to the core mission of the BBC.”

“We know that the industry is undergoing unprecedented change and the organisation faces significant challenges as well as opportunities. I am confident that Tim is the right person to lead the BBC as it continues to reform and change,” the statement said.

Davie said the corporation must continue to evolve. “Looking forward, we will need to accelerate change so that we serve all our audiences in this fast-moving world. Much great work has been done, but we will continue to reform, make clear choices and stay relevant. I am very confident we can do this because of the amazing teams of people that work at the BBC,” he said in a statement.