TL;DR
- The BBC board, led by non-executive chairman Samir Shah, consists of ten members focused on protecting the BBC’s independence, with non-executive directors receiving an annual base fee of £33,000.
- Key members include Sir Damon Buffini, deputy chairman, and Sir Robbie Gibb, a former BBC journalist, highlighting a diverse background in finance and media.
- Current debates around the board suggest scrutiny of its role amid ongoing crises, impacting the reputations of individual members.
BBC latest: Starmer asked if Trump will get ‘single penny’ from licence fee payers | UK News
The BBC board has been subject to much debate during the crisis this week.
The board is led by non-executive chairman Samir Shah and has ten members, while the director-general is also a member.
Some roles and responsibilities differ, but the non-executive members are mostly responsible for protecting the independence of the BBC.
The non-executive directors receive a base fee of £33,000 a year.
Here’s who is on the board:
Shumeet Banerji, non-executive director
Banerji founded an advisory and investment firm and also held roles at consulting firm Booz And Company and Hewlett Package Company.
He was appointed in January 2022 with his term lasting until the end of this year.
Sir Damon Buffini, deputy chairman and chairman of the BBC commercial board
Buffini was a founding partner of an asset manager and was appointed chairman of the £2bn Culture Recovery Fund.
He also currently serves as chair of the Royal National Theatre. His terms ends this year too.
Sir Robbie Gibb, member for England
A former broadcast journalist at the BBC, he left in 2017 to become director of communications for then-PM Theresa May.
Gibb’s term ends on 6 May 2028.
Muriel Gray, member for Scotland
Gray began her career as a broadcaster and later was appointed chairwoman of the board of governors of Glasgow School of Art.
Her term lasts until January 2030.
Chris Jones, non-executive director
Jones is a chartered accountant and works on various committees for different trusts and organisations. His term lasts until July 2027.
Michael Plaut, member for Wales
Plaut began his career as an investment banker and has advised governments in both Westminster and Cardiff Bay on the Welsh Economy and Welsh business.
His term ends in May 2028.
Michael Smyth, member for Northern Ireland
Smyth is a lawyer, a partner at an international law firm and he wrote a textbook on business and human rights as well.
His term lasts until July 2027.
Marinella Soldi, non-executive director
Soldi had non-executive roles at a digital payments company and an Italian public broadcaster.
Born in Italy and growing up in London, her term lasts until September next year.
Leigh Tavaziva, chief operating officer
Tavaziva sits on the BBC board, executive committee and commercial board.
She’s previously worked at British Gas and Centrica and was a ballerina.
Tavaziva was paid between £465,000 and £469,999 as of July 2025 and her term ends in January 2027.
Caroline Thomson, senior independent director
Thomson regularly meets with the BBC chief executive and chair to offer her advice on reputational, editorial and policy matters.
She has a long career in the media and arts work and her term ends in April 2029.