The British government on Wednesday unveiled former Goldman Sachs banker Richard Sharp as its nomination to be the next chairman of the BBC.

Sharp, also an ex-chair of the Royal Academy of Arts, has a background in public service and was selected following "an open and rigorous competition", it said.

He is set to succeed David Clementi, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England who took up the role in 2017, next month.

In a brief statement released via the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Sharp welcomed his selection.

"The BBC is at the heart of British cultural life and I'm honoured to be offered the chance to help guide it through the next chapter in its history," he said.

Sharp becomes chair at a turbulent time for the BBC.

It faces continued scrutiny over equal pay and diversity, alongside political controversy over whether to reintroduce charges for elderly viewers.

Meanwhile, competition is fiercer than ever from streaming services such as Netflix.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said Sharp's prior leadership in finance and commerce, alongside his "passion for culture and public service" made him the ideal candidate.

"He is exactly the Chair the BBC needs right now," Dowden added.

"I'm confident he will drive forward reforms to the BBC to ensure it impartially reflects and serves the needs of all parts of the UK, and evolves to remain a global success that is central to British national life in the decades ahead."

Sharp will appear before lawmakers on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee next week for "pre-appointment scrutiny".

He will then be formally appointed to the role by Queen Elizabeth II, who chooses the chairman on the advice of ministers under the broadcaster's royal charter.

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