Google’s former Europe boss close to becoming next head of BBC, sources say

Appointment of Matt Brittin as director general would be latest sign of big tech’s power in media world

Google’s former Europe boss is closing in on becoming the BBC’s next director general, the Guardian has been told.

Sources said that Matt Brittin, 57, was very advanced in the appointment process. Some insiders believe that, barring a last-minute development, he will succeed Tim Davie as the broadcaster’s next director general.