BBC expected to name Matt Brittin as director general within days

Board meets this week to discuss appointment, with former Google executive the strong favourite to replace Tim Davie

The former Google executive Matt Brittin is expected to be named as the BBC’s next director general within days, with the corporation’s board meeting this week for a final discussion about the appointment.

The decision will be discussed at a regular BBC board meeting on Thursday. Though the meeting will not formally approve Brittin for the role, an announcement could be made as soon as next week.