Press release
Minister Martin welcomes appointment of Kevin Bakhurst as the next Director General of RTÉ
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, welcomed Government’s consent at its meeting today (Tuesday 18 April 2023), to the appointment of Mr. Kevin Bakhurst as the next Director General of RTÉ.
The appointment follows an open recruitment process carried out by the Board of RTÉ, with the government’s consent being provided in accordance with Section 89 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009.
Commenting after the government meeting today, Minister Martin said:
"I wish to congratulate Kevin Bakhurst on being appointed by RTÉ as its next Director General. Mr. Bakhurst will take over this role at an important and challenging time for RTÉ. He has a proven track record of leadership at the highest levels and will bring a wealth of experience to the role.”
The Director General is the most senior executive post in the RTÉ organisational structure. As well as being the organisation's Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief, the Director General represents RTÉ both nationally and internationally.
Ms. Dee Forbes will conclude her 7-year term of appointment as Director General of RTÉ on 10 July 2023.
RTÉ commenced an open recruitment process in January 2023 seeking to identify its next Director General. Following the completion of the recruitment process, RTÉ has identified Mr. Kevin Bakhurst as the successful candidate for appointment as its next Director General.
Mr. Bakhurst has served as Group Director, Broadcasting and Online Content at the UK communications regulator Ofcom since 2016, and previously served with RTÉ as Acting Director General, Deputy Director General, and Managing Director of News and Current Affairs.
In accordance with Section 89 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the government has consented to the appointment.