Mark Thompson to step down as BBC director general in autumn

Mark Thompson has confirmed he will be stepping down as director general of the BBC, a role he has held since 2004, later this year.

In an email to staff Thompson said he has told chairman of the BBC Trust Lord Chris Patten that he believes "an appropriate time for me to hand over to a successor and to step down as director-general of the BBC would be the autumn of this year", following the Olympic games.

"When Chris Patten became BBC Chairman last year, I told him I thought there was a strong case for handing over to a successor sooner rather than later," he added.

"From the point of view of the BBC, I thought that my successor should have time to really get their feet under the table before the next Charter Review process got going."

Thompson also said that he has told Lord Patten that the Trust should start the search for his successor "as soon as they see fit".

"I will of course help them in that endeavour in any way I can. We can address the exact date of the handover once an appointment is made, though I have made it clear that I want to be guided by the wishes of the Trust and of my successor, whoever that may be."

Looking back over his time with the broadcaster Thompson said: "We’ve weathered a series of lively storms and been through some trying as well as some very successful times together".

"What has made my job not just bearable, but immensely enjoyable and rewarding, is all of you: your talent and energy, your unshakeable belief in the BBC and everything it stands for."

He added: "I've always been on the side of change because I believe that, in the middle of a media revolution, change is the only way of safeguarding what is so precious about the BBC. But change always brings disruption and uncertainty in its wake – and I do want to say a particular thank you to everyone who has worked with me in the difficult task of transforming the BBC. Thank you for your commitment and for your patience.
 
"It's because of your efforts that the BBC I will be leaving is so much stronger than the BBC I inherited back in 2004."

Earlier this month Thompson was named as the new non-executive chairman of BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the broadcaster, in addition to his role as director general.

Journalism.co.uk understands this will remain part of the director general's role.

In a statement Lord Patten said Thompson "has been an outstanding director general of the BBC".

"He took over during a traumatic period in the corporation's history and subsequently enhanced its reputation for creativity and quality, while setting the course for the BBC's digital future. I will miss him on both a personal and professional level and I wish him the very best of luck for the future. The Trust will shortly begin the process of recruiting a successor."

In January the BBC reported that the broadcaster was "engaged in 'sensible succession planning' to replace the director general Mark Thompson".

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