Byford's letter to staff

Dear all,

As you will know from Mark Thompson’s announcement today, I will be leaving the BBC next year after 32 years continuous service. Obviously I will be very sad to leave this brilliant organisation that has been such a dominant part of my life for so long. But I know this decision is the right way forward. From a summer holiday job to head of all the BBC’s Journalism - I have been fortunate and blessed to have had such a wonderful career at the BBC.

Today, I’d like to thank all my close friends and valued colleagues across the BBC for their friendship and support, and their inspiration, creativity and wisdom. I have learnt so much from so many. I feel privileged and proud to have been a part of the best broadcasting organisation in the world.

Thirty two years as a member of staff; thirteen years on the Executive Board – by some margin its longest serving member; seven years as Deputy Director-General. It will have been a long and eventful innings with such memorable times along the way. But, inevitably, it must end at some point and I recognise the right time has come. Closing my post will be an important contribution at Executive Board level to achieving the overall goals of the senior management review in the coming year and I fully support the decision.

The BBC’s values are what glues this organisation together and makes it so great.I’ve tried to uphold them throughout my career. My total support for and loyalty to the BBC, and to Mark himself as Director-General, will remain undiminished in the future. My departure in a few months time allows Mark the necessary period to implement his restructure of the Executive Board in an effective manner. Of course, until then, I will continue to give the organisation my fullest support in terms of drive, energy and commitment over the transition.

Warm regards,

Mark Byford