Kay-jelski To Succeed Barbara Slater As BBC Director Of Sport

The editor-in-chief of The Athletic, Alex Kay-Jelski, has been appointed as the new BBC Director of Sport.

Kay-Jelski, who set up the The Athletic’s international arm in 2019 and previously served as Sports Editor for both The Time and The Daily Mail, will succeed Barbara Slater in the role.

According to a statement made by the BBC, ‘Alex Kay-Jelski joins to further strengthen the BBC’s position, and as Director will set the editorial and creative strategy for BBC Sport. He will lead the world-class teams – across commissioning, production, digital and journalism – and work closely with talent and partners to help drive the growth of sport across the BBC’s digital services.’

Regarding his appointment, Kay-Jelski said, “I am so excited to be joining BBC Sport in the summer and to have the chance to work with so many incredible people.

Like most people, so many of my sporting memories have been lived with the BBC there to guide me through and having the chance to shape what that should look like in the coming years is a brilliant challenge.

I am emotional leaving The Athletic and all the wonderful people there. It means so much to me and I’m incredibly proud of all of them.”

Charlotte Moore, BBC, Chief Content Officer, said, “Alex is a dynamic and creative editorial leader who has a clear vision about how to take BBC Sport into the future.

“Barbara Slater leaves BBC Sport in rude health with an incredible summer of sport ahead, and I’m looking forward to Alex leading us for the next generation of unrivalled sports broadcasting.”

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