John Shield, the BBC’s long-serving comms boss who has been with the corporation for over a decade, is exiting, while ex-BBC COO Caroline Thomson is joining the board in place of Nicholas Serota.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 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.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.”Meanwhile at the Beeb, ex-COO Thomson is replacing Serota on the BBC Board, with her term beginning next month.She was COO from 2007 to 2012, during which time she was responsible for all the non-programme parts of the BBC. Her previous roles include Chair of Oxfam from 2016 to 2020; Chair of Digital UK from 2013 to 2023; and Executive Director at the English National Ballet from 2013 to 2016.She replaces Serota as a non-executive director. Serota was a popular and prominent BBC Board member who led the review into governance following the Martin Bashir Princess Diana scandal. Serota’s four-year term has ended and Thomson’s begins on April 3.
© 2025 Deadline.