Long-Serving BBC Comms Boss John Shield To Exit After A Decade

EXCLUSIVE: John Shield, the BBC’s long-serving comms boss who has been with the corporation for over a decade, is exiting.

In a note to staff this morning, Shield said he is taking on a fresh challenge with global advisory firm Teneo when he leaves in May.

Responsible for all the BBC’s communications activity, Shield, who earned £235,000 ($300,000) last year, has been a fixture with the BBC since joining from the Department for Work and Pensions more than a decade ago. He came in to calm waters after the Jimmy Savile crisis and was a close confidante of ex-Director General Tony Hall. He has since being working closely with Hall’s replacement Tim Davie and Corporate Affairs Director Alice Macandrew.

During his tenure, Shield has steered BBC comms through huge shifts including governance reviews, the gender pay crisis and multiple editorial scandals. Most recently, the BBC has been dealing with the fallout from the Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone saga, which was called a “dagger to the heart” of BBC impartiality yesterday by chair Samir Shah.

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In a note to staff, seen by Deadline, Macandrew said it is “hard to overstate the impact that John has had in his time at the BBC,” as she noted the search for his replacement will begin immediately.

“John has steered the organisation through some very challenging situations, with a calm demeanour, with expert judgment, and with real grit,” she added of the popular comms chief. “And perhaps most remarkably, without losing his sense of humour, even in moments of intense pressure.”

She said she has “found his insight and understanding of the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of this unique organisation utterly invaluable.”

Shield noted that he had resigned in January but “now was the appropriate time to let you all know” via his own all-staff memo. “Nothing has made me prouder than leading the BBC’s communications and public affairs work,” he added. “It’s been a pleasure to lead such a high performing team that has consistently delivered for the BBC.”