Tony Hall

Biography

Tony Hall was the sixteenth Director General of the BBC, and the former Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House. He is Chairman of social work charity Frontline and the film company Harder Than You Think Ltd, and Vice-Chairman of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Tony is the former Chairman of the National Gallery and former President of the European Broadcasting Union, championing public service media across the world.

During his time as Director General of the BBC, Tony oversaw all the broadcasters’ services across the UK and around the world, both public service and commercial. He is an innovator and transformed iPlayer from a catch-up service into a destination in its own right and with BBC Sounds launched on demand radio.

Tony first joined the BBC as a news trainee and, as Director of News and Current Affairs, and launched many of the broadcaster’s most popular digital services - including BBC News Online the rolling news channel, BBC Parliament, and Radio 5 Live.  

When he was Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House Tony brought financial stability, supported new artists, and developed new audiences. He introduced the first live cinema screenings around the UK, low-price ticket schemes, and a thriving new production park in Thurrock.

Tony was a non-Exec Board member for Channel 4 and later appointed Deputy Chair of the channel. Passionate about education and skills within cultural industries, he was the founder Chair of Creative & Cultural Skills, introducing the first formal creative apprenticeships as well as new online careers guidance for emerging talent. He was also Chairman of the Musical and Dance Scheme, Chair of the Cultural Olympiad Committee, and a member of the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Tony was awarded a CBE and made a life peer. He sits on the crossbenches in the House of Lords. He is a Trustee of The National Trust, The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, and the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, and sits on the Advisory Board for Qwilt.