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Expert Reveals 3 Favourites for Next BBC Director General Job
Former ITV executive Jane Turton has been installed as the early favourite to take over as the next BBC Director General, following the departure of Tim Davie.
Turton, who is currently CEO of production powerhouse All3Media, is priced at 2/1 with bookmakers, giving her a 33.3% implied chance of securing the top job. If successful, she would become the first female Director General in the BBC’s 100-year history.
Close behind is Kate Phillips, the BBC’s current Chief Content Officer, who is priced at 3/1 (25%) and seen as the leading internal contender. Phillips has been instrumental in shaping the BBC’s entertainment output over recent years, overseeing major hits such as Strictly Come Dancing, The Traitors, and Gladiators.
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon remains firmly in the mix at 4/1 (20%), having led the broadcaster through a challenging period of digital transformation and political scrutiny.
The odds suggest the BBC could be preparing to make history with its first female Director General, with the top five candidates all being women. Other names in contention include Carolyn McCall and Anne Mensah, both at 5/1 (16.7%), while Charlotte Moore (6/1) and Jay Hunt (7/1) remain outside contenders.
| Candidate | Role | Odds | Implied Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jane Turton | CEO, All3Media | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Kate Phillips | Chief Content Officer, BBC | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Alex Mahon | CEO, Channel 4 | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Carolyn McCall | CEO, ITV | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Anne Mensah | VP, Content, Netflix UK | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Charlotte Moore | Former Chief Content Officer, BBC | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Jay Hunt | Creative Director, Apple TV+ Europe | 7/1 | 12.5% |
| Dana Strong | CEO, Sky | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Jeremy Darroch | Former CEO, Sky | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Jane Turton (2/1) – The early favourite to replace Tim Davie, Jane Turton boasts a distinguished career in British broadcasting.
Currently serving as CEO of All3Media, one of the UK’s leading independent production companies, Turton has overseen hit shows including Fleabag, The Tourist, and Gogglebox. Prior to joining All3Media, she spent more than a decade at ITV, where she rose to become Director of Commercial and Business Affairs.
Her combination of creative leadership and business acumen makes her a strong contender to lead the BBC into its next phase.
At 2/1 odds, bookmakers give her a 33.3% chance of being appointed positioning her as the most likely successor to take the BBC’s top job.
