Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman

"The BBC is one of a small number of institutions that shape our country. When I was growing up the BBC broadened my horizons, introduced me to new experiences and helped me to see what was going on in the world. It is the medium through which, as a nation, we share great historic moments.

"The BBC belongs to everyone and it is vital that it seeks to serve all of its different audiences. I bring to the Trust a strong background in public service and an understanding of complex organisations as well as the experience of living and working outside of London.

"This is a tough job but who wouldn’t want the opportunity to help shape this organisation which plays such an important part in our national life?"

About Sir Michael

Sir Michael studied and taught economics before spending most of his professional life working in local government. He led three of the country’s largest local authorities and has a strong track record in working directly with the public and seeking better value in public services.

His experience in the shaping of cities and his interest in urban regeneration led to his appointment as Chairman of the English Cities Fund, while his love of the arts has meant appointments with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Sir Michael has also worked closely with central government, undertaking both an independent study on the scope for relocating public service activities from London to other parts of the UK (The Lyons Review, 2004) and a detailed examination of the role and funding of local government (The Lyons Inquiry, 2007).

Sir Michael was knighted in 2000 for services to local government. He is married with three grown-up children and continues to live in Birmingham.