Tim Davie will step down as the BBC's director-general on Thursday, ending a tenure marked by significant controversies for the broadcaster.
He will be succeeded by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies on 2 April, with former Google executive Matt Brittin taking the permanent role from 18 May.
Mr Davie assumed the top post in September 2020, following Lord Tony Hall, during a turbulent period.
The BBC was then navigating disputes over the licence fee, gender pay issues, and increasing competition from streaming services.
His leadership saw the corporation face numerous controversies, particularly regarding its editorial coverage. This culminated in a $10 billion lawsuit from US President Donald Trump.
The legal action concerned a Panorama documentary, broadcast in 2024, which Mr Trump claimed falsely suggested he encouraged his supporters to storm the Capitol building in 2021, after his 2020 presidential election loss to Joe Biden.
The corporation filed a motion to dismiss the Florida lawsuit, in which it warned of the “chilling effect” it would have on “robust reporting on public figures and events”.
More recently, the corporation faced criticism for allowing a racial slur to be broadcast during the Bafta Film Awards which came after a previous editing incident over the summer when the BBC continued to livestream the Bob Vylan Glastonbury set as they led chants of “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)”.
Mr Davie’s time as the head of the corporation also saw one of the BBC’s highest paid newsreaders, Huw Edwards, plead guilty to making indecent images of children and admit to having 41 photographs on WhatsApp, including seven of the most serious type.
Edwards, known for presenting the BBC’s News At Ten for decades and delivering some of the biggest stories to the British public including Queen Elizabeth II’s death, was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
After his guilty plea in July 2024, the BBC asked him to return his salary, which he was paid during the period following his arrest in November 2023 until he resigned in April 2024.
The BBC was questioned about why the presenter was still paid five months after he had been arrested.
Mr Davie signs off days after Radio 2 breakfast host Scott Mills had his contract with the broadcaster terminated after allegations about his “personal conduct”.
On Wednesday, the DJ confirmed a police investigation into allegations of a historical sexual offence in 2017 was about him and said that he was subjected to “rumour and speculation” since the BBC announced his sacking earlier this week.
The BBC admitted that it knew about the investigation when it happened but said it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information”.
Trump discussed ousting Bondi following backlash over Epstein files release: reports
Cooper condemns Iranian ‘recklessness’ in talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Trump implores Americans to boycott ‘dried up prune’ Bruce Springsteen
In Pictures: Royal traditions on show in St Asaph for Royal Maundy Service
William praises ‘incredible milestone’ as Bowelbabe Fund hits £20 million
Jonathan the tortoise alive and well despite ‘crypto scam’ death hoax
