The BBC has today appointed Rhodri Talfan Davies as Director, BBC Cymru Wales.
The appointment concludes an extensive recruitment search that followed Menna Richards’ departure from the post in February 2011.
Rhodri Talfan Davies, currently Head of Strategy and Communications at BBC Wales, will report to the Director General, Mark Thompson, and join the BBC Direction Group (BDG) when he begins his new role in September.
He said: “I am thrilled and sincerely honoured to have been chosen for the role of Director. BBC Cymru Wales is of enormous importance to the creative and cultural life of the nation and is performing brilliantly on the UK networks too.
“There’s a great wealth of talent in the creative industries in Wales and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead the fantastic team at BBC Wales.”
BBC Director General Mark Thompson said: “Rhodri brings with him a wealth of experience across journalism, radio, and the development of new digital services. His deep understanding of Wales – and the BBC’s crucial role in the nation’s life – will equip him brilliantly for the challenge of leading such a successful and ambitious part of the organisation.”
Born in Cardiff and a Welsh speaker, Rhodri has enjoyed a rich and varied career both within the BBC and externally. He began his career as a BBC regional television news producer and reporter in Newcastle, Manchester and London before being appointed Head of Regional and Local Programmes in BBC Bristol in 1999.
In 2001, Rhodri was appointed Director of Television at Video Networks where he led the development of the UK’s first on-demand television service, HomeChoice (now talk talk TV). In 2004 he was appointed Director of Television Marketing at ntl Telewest before returning to the BBC in 2006 as Head of Strategy and Communications at BBC Wales. Over the last six months, he has led the Digital workstream for Delivering Quality First.
Suzy Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Welsh language & Culture, said:
“I would like to congratulate Mr Davies on his new appointment, which comes at an important crossroads for BBC Cymru Wales.
“The corporation faces considerable challenges in the months ahead to continue to deliver a high standard of bilingual programming to meet both its public service obligations and the expectations of Welsh viewers.”
