Director-General of the BBC from January 2000 to January 2004, a position from which he resigned following heavy criticism of the BBC's news-reporting process in the Hutton Inquiry (into the circumstances surrounding the death of David Kelly). Credited with introducing 'tabloid' television to British broadcasting and reviving the ratings of TV-am. Held chief executive positions at LWT Group, Pearson Television and Channel 5. Gave evidence to the Inquiry of the ethical procedures in place during his time as Director-General including the use of hired investigators and undercover operators.