Hugh Carleton Greene

Sir Hugh Carleton Greene OBE KCMG (1910-1987) was Director-General from 1960 to 1969.

Greene was the brother of novelist Graham Greene. A former foreign correspondent, he joined the BBC to head the German Service in 1940. He went on to be Director of News and Current Affairs and Director of Administration.

In 1960 he was appointed Director-General. He aimed to bring the BBC upto-date and helped encourage a new era of programming. Highlights included That Was The Week That Was, I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again and current affairs programmes like Man Alive and Nationwide.

He presided over the launch of BBC Two, colour television and BBC Local Radio. His Pilkington Committee evidence helped renew the BBC's Charter.

Staff admired his leadership and robustness towards the Government and Chairman Lord Hill. Greene's marital problems led him to resign and he then uniquely joined the Board of Governors. He served two years, defending the BBC's editorial independence from interference, before retiring to run the family Greene King Brewery.