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Matt Brittin

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Matt Brittin is best known as one of the most influential figures in European digital advertising, having spent over a decade at Google building and scaling its commercial operations across the EMEA region. As President of Google EMEA, he was the public face of Google's business in Europe, navigating complex regulatory environments including GDPR, antitrust scrutiny, and the evolving digital advertising landscape. His leadership helped establish programmatic advertising, search advertising, and YouTube monetization as dominant forces in European media markets. Brittin joined Google in 2007 as Managing Director of UK & Ireland, rapidly expanding its commercial footprint before ascending to lead the entire EMEA region. During his tenure, he was a prominent voice on digital transformation, data privacy, and the responsibilities of large technology platforms, frequently engaging with policymakers, advertisers, and media owners. He was a fixture at major industry events such as Davos and Cannes Lions, representing Google's perspective on the future of advertising and media. In 2023, Brittin transitioned to the BBC, taking on a senior leadership role overseeing BBC Studios and BBC Global News, bringing his deep commercial and digital expertise to one of the world's most recognized public media brands. His move signaled a broader industry trend of AdTech-seasoned executives moving into traditional media to drive digital revenue transformation.

Last updated Jun 24, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Jun 29, 2026

Role
President, BBC Studios and BBC Global News
Company
BBC
Based
London, United Kingdom
Boards
2
Connections
2
Years in industry
17 years

Bio

Matt Brittin is best known as one of the most influential figures in European digital advertising, having spent over a decade at Google building and scaling its commercial operations across the EMEA region. As President of Google EMEA, he was the public face of Google's business in Europe, navigating complex regulatory environments including GDPR, antitrust scrutiny, and the evolving digital advertising landscape. His leadership helped establish programmatic advertising, search advertising, and YouTube monetization as dominant forces in European media markets. Brittin joined Google in 2007 as Managing Director of UK & Ireland, rapidly expanding its commercial footprint before ascending to lead the entire EMEA region. During his tenure, he was a prominent voice on digital transformation, data privacy, and the responsibilities of large technology platforms, frequently engaging with policymakers, advertisers, and media owners. He was a fixture at major industry events such as Davos and Cannes Lions, representing Google's perspective on the future of advertising and media. In 2023, Brittin transitioned to the BBC, taking on a senior leadership role overseeing BBC Studios and BBC Global News, bringing his deep commercial and digital expertise to one of the world's most recognized public media brands. His move signaled a broader industry trend of AdTech-seasoned executives moving into traditional media to drive digital revenue transformation.

Career

  • President, EMEA

    Google · 2012-2022

  • Managing Director, UK & Ireland

    Google · 2007-2012

  • Various senior roles

    Tesco and other consumer/media companies · Pre-2007

Board memberships

Advertising Association (UK)World Federation of Advertisers

Expertise & education

Expertise

Digital AdvertisingProgrammatic AdvertisingSearch AdvertisingYouTube MonetizationData Privacy and GDPRMedia TransformationAd Platform StrategyRegulatory Affairs in AdTech

Education

  • BA, University of Cambridge

Speaking topics

Digital advertising and media transformationData privacy and responsible use of dataThe future of public media in a digital worldTechnology regulation and platform accountabilityDiversity and inclusion in the technology industry

Recognition

Notable achievements

  • Led Google's EMEA commercial operations through a decade of rapid digital advertising growth
  • Navigated Google's European business through major regulatory challenges including GDPR implementation and EU antitrust proceedings
  • Appointed to senior leadership at BBC Studios and BBC Global News in 2023, overseeing commercial and international strategy
  • Regular participant at World Economic Forum in Davos representing the digital advertising industry

Awards

Frequently recognized in industry lists of most influential figures in European digital media and advertising

Publications

  • Various op-eds and thought leadership pieces on digital transformation and advertising responsibility in outlets including The Guardian and industry trade press
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