Chancellor’s former boss at bank is the new chairman of the BBC
RICHARD SHARP has described the BBC as being “at the heart of British cultural life” after being appointed as the corporation’s new chairman.
The former Goldman Sachs banker will succeed Sir David Clementi in the position.
Mr Sharp, who was once Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s boss at the bank, will take over as the BBC faces scrutiny over equal pay, diversity, free TV licences for the over- 75s and competition from streaming services such as Netflix, as well as the coronavirus crisis.
He said: “The BBC is at the heart of British cultural life and I’m honoured to be offered the chance to help guide it through the next chapter in its history.”
Mr Sharp will take over the role in February when Sir David stands down.
His appointment has been welcomed by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, who described him as “exactly the chair the BBC needs right now”.
He said: “Richard’s leadership in the top flight of finance and commerce, combined with his passion for culture and public service, make him the ideal person for this hugely important role.
“I’m confident he will drive forward reforms to the BBC to ensure it impartially reflects and serves the needs of all parts of the UK, and evolves to remain a global success that is central to British national life in the decades ahead.”
Mr Sharp will appear before MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on January 14 for “pre- appointment scrutiny”.
Names previously linked with the post include former chancellor George Osborne and ex- editor of the Daily Telegraph Charles Moore, who reportedly ruled himself out.
Mr Sharp will work with new director- general Tim Davie, who took over from Lord Tony Hall in September and said the corporation needs to keep reforming “with urgency” and stressed it must be “a universal public service”.