The BBC have revealed who will take over as their new director general.

BBC Studios head Tim Davie will replace Tony Hall as the director general of the corporation.

The chief executive of the corporation’s commercial production and distribution arm has been among the favourites to replace Lord Hall since he announced in January that he was departing after seven years in the post.

But who is Tim Davie? Here's what you need to know.

He was born in 1967 and was educated at Whitgift School in Croydon, south London, before going on to study English at Cambridge University.

He has a background in the private sector and prior to joining the BBC in 2005 he served as the vice president for marketing and franchise for drinks giant PepsiCo Europe.

When he joined the broadcaster he became director of its marketing, communications and audiences division in 2005.

He subsequently became director of the BBC’s audio and music division in 2008, assuming responsibility for its national radio stations including Radio 1, 2, 3 and 4.

In the same year that he took on the role, Davie had to address controversy surrounding a prank call made by Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross to actor Andrew Sachs on Radio 2.

Brand quit the station after the broadcast of the pre-recorded prank, in which he left an obscene message on Sachs’s voicemail.

Davie also decided to axe the 6 Music radio station in 2010, a decision which was later reversed.

In 2012 he became chief executive of BBC Worldwide, a commercial arm of the broadcaster.

In November of that year he then stepped in to become acting director-general after George Entwistle left the corporation in the wake of the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal.

He served in the post until Lord Tony Hall took over in April 2013.

After Lord Hall became director-general, Davie returned to BBC Worldwide and oversaw a merger with BBC Studios in 2018 and later became CEO of the production arm.

Malvern Gazette: Tim Davie. Picture: PA WireTim Davie. Picture: PA Wire

When will Tim start his new role?

Tim will take over the job on September 1. In a statement, he said: “I am honoured to be appointed the BBC’s next director-general.

“This has been a critical time for the UK and these past few months have shown just how much the BBC matters to people. Our mission has never been more relevant, important or necessary. I have a deep commitment to content of the highest quality and impartiality.

“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.”

What have the BBC board said about his appointment?

Sir David Clementi, chairman of the BBC board, added: “Tim has a strong track record as the CEO of BBC Studios and is one of the most respected names in the industry.

“His leadership and experience, both outside the BBC and within, will ensure that we are well placed to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming years.

“Tim 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.”

“My focus for the remainder of my own term as chairman, until February of next year, will be to ensure that there is a smooth and successful handover and that the BBC continues to serve audiences across the whole of the UK.”