BBC appoints Bérangère Michel as group chief financial officer

LONDON:The BBC has named Bérangère Michel as its new group chief financial officer, bringing one of Britain’s most seasoned retail finance leaders into the heart of the broadcaster’s future plans.

Michel joins from the John Lewis Partnership, where she spent 16 years rising through the ranks and ultimately serving as chief financial officer. Along the way, she took on senior leadership roles spanning customer service, operations, finance and strategy, gaining a reputation for steady hands and clear thinking during complex change.

Before her time at John Lewis, Michel built a strong foundation at Royal Mail Group, where she spent 11 years in finance, strategy and transformation roles, including a stint as finance director of its property division.

At the BBC, Michel steps into an expanded role with responsibility for the entire BBC Group’s financial strategy. Her remit will stretch across BBC Public Service, BBC Studios and the corporation’s commercial subsidiaries. She will also make history by sitting on both the executive committee and the BBC Board, a first for the role.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the broadcaster, as it navigates transformation, prepares for charter renewal and looks to maximise value from both the licence fee and commercial revenues. Michel will report directly to director-general Tim Davie and is set to take up the post in early January.

Davie welcomed the appointment, saying Michel’s depth of experience would be vital in shaping the BBC’s next chapter and ensuring strong financial stewardship during a period of change.

BBC chair Samir Shah echoed the sentiment, calling the group chief financial officer role crucial to building a BBC fit for the future.

For Michel, the move is as much about purpose as numbers. She said she was delighted to join an institution she has long admired and looked forward to helping shape its future at a critical moment.

With a blend of retail nous, strategic rigour and public service spirit, Michel arrives as the BBC looks to balance its books while keeping its audience front and centre.