John Shield, BBC's Comms Chief for a decade, to leave for Teneo

In a note to staff, BBC's Comms Chief John Shield said he is taking on a fresh challenge with global advisory firm Teneo when he leaves in May. Teneo is renowned for its global service offerings in strategy and communications, specializing in providing strategic advisory and communications services on a global scale

Responsible for all the BBC’s communications activity, Shield, who earned £235,000 ($300,000) 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 new DG 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. 

Shield explained that he had resigned in January, but felt that now was the right moment to share the news with the entire staff through his own 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.”