Former Google executive Matt Brittin named new BBC director-general, The Times reports

Brittin's appointment was approved by the BBC board at a meeting on Thursday, with an official announcement expected this week, the report says

FILE PHOTO: Matt Brittin, President EMEA Business and Operations Google UK, addresses the Confederation of British Industry's annual conference in London, Britain Nov 21, 2016. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth/File Photo

Former Google executive Matt Brittin has been confirmed as the BBC's new director-general, the Times reported on Sunday, citing sources.

Brittin's appointment was approved by the BBC board at a meeting on Thursday, with an official announcement expected this week, the report said.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. BBC did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.

In January, BBC said Director-General Tim Davie would step down on Apr 2 and be temporarily succeeded by Rhodri Talfan Davies, the broadcaster's director of nations, until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Davie announced his resignation in November following criticism of the British corporation's news service over the misleading editing of a video clip of US President Donald Trump.