BBC begins search for its new boss

The BBC has started its search for “an inspirational leader” to replace current director-general Mark Thompson, who is standing down later this year.

An advert for the role, which went up on the BBC website yesterday, says the ideal candidate will “thrive under legitimate and constant public and political scrutiny”.

It said the new director-general “will be able to admit quickly when in the wrong… but stand up to huge pressure without bending when s/he believes that it is right so to do”.

Mr Thompson announced he was stepping down last month and said he would go “once the Olympics and the rest of the amazing summer of 2012 are over”.

He said he wanted his successor to “have time to really get their feet under the table” before the next review of the BBC charter, which will take place before the end of 2016.

The corporation’s advert states: “The trust is looking for an inspirational leader with the strong, clear vision… ready for the world as it will be in ten or 15 years’ time.”