India-Born Samir Shah to Head BBC

India-born media executive Dr Samir Shah was confirmed as the new BBC chairman on Thursday. His selection cleared the stages of scrutiny to be approved by King Charles III this week.

Shah was picked as the British government’s preferred candidate in December 2023. He was quizzed by cross-party MPs of the House of Commons Media Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for his pre-appointment scrutiny.

The 72-year-old Samir Shah will take over BBC chairman’s post on March 4 and will continue in the position till March 2028.

Shah has over 40 years of experience in TV production and journalism. He has received a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.

Born in Aurangabad, Shah came to England in 1960. He headed the current affairs and political programmes at the BBC in the past. Now he is the CEO and owner of Juniper, an independent television and radio production company. Shah was also a non-executive director of the BBC between 2007 and 2010.

Although the BBC is politically independent, its chairperson is appointed by the British government.