As BBC Group Managing Director, Bob oversees all the BBC’s people functions including HR, culture and the development of on-screen and on-air talent. He is also responsible for the BBC’s Centenary plans
Bob has led the BBC’s response to the coronavirus and also co-ordinates what the BBC does between its commercial and public service operations.
Bob was educated at the Royal Grammar School in Lancaster and at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and graduated with a degree in English Literature.
Bob started his career as a journalist in commercial radio, at Hereward Radio.
He joined the BBC in 1987 and progressed to a variety of senior roles in BBC Sport including, from 1998 to 2000, the position of Head of BBC Sport. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing all sport on BBC TV, radio and online.
In August 2000, Bob was appointed Controller of 5 live, launching 5 live sports extra in September 2002. In late 2004, Bob was given overall managerial responsibility for BBC Asian Network.
After leading Channel Four Radio in 2008, Bob returned to the BBC as Controller, Radio 2 and 6 Music in January 2009. Bob led the network through the transition from Wake Up To Wogan to the launch of The Chris Evans Breakfast Show. In 2011, Bob was once again appointed controller of Asian Network and was appointed Head of Popular Music.
In March 2014, Bob was appointed Director of BBC Music and oversaw the launch of the inaugural BBC Music Awards.
In October 2016, he was appointed Director of Radio & Music, responsible for the day-to-day running of BBC network and digital-only radio stations, as well as BBC Performing Groups, BBC Proms, BBC Music and radio production.
In April 2019 he began his current role as BBC Group Managing Director.
A lifelong Liverpool FC fan, Bob is a Trustee of the Roundhouse venue in Camden, International Director of the Country Music Association and vice-chairman of BBC Children in Need.