Kevin Bakhurst is RTÉ's new director general

British journalist Kevin Bakhurst has been named as the new director general of RTĖ, who will replace Dee Forbes in July.

Having previously been managing director of news and current affairs at RTÉ, Mr Bakhurst was also deputy director general from September 2012 to October 2016. He had previously held a position on the RTÉ Executive throughout this period and briefly served as director general for six months.

The journalist previously lost out to Dee Forbes in 2016 when she was appointed as an outside candidate as director general.

After being brought forth by Media Minister Catherine Martin, Cabinet approved Mr Bakhurst's appointment.

Speaking on his appointment, My Bakhurst said, "I am honoured and delighted to take up the role of Director General. RTÉ plays a central role in Irish life and has brilliant people dedicated to delivering great and trusted content for audiences.”

"RTÉ faces huge challenges and global competition, and I am confident we can deliver the ambitious change needed to remain valued and relevant to our audiences. I'm looking forward to getting started."

Kevin Bakhurst was previously a member of Ofcom Board where he was Group Director, Broadcasting and Online at the company before returning to RTÉ.

A statement relating to Mr Bakhurst’s appointment outlined that he will be required "to take the organisation forward in a rapidly evolving media landscape, while ensuring RTÉ’s valued place in public life in Ireland."

Kevin Bakhurst was originally born in the UK where he held a number of senior editorial positions at the BBC between 2006 and 2012. Before this however he was also BBC News Channel controller and BBC Newsroom deputy head from 2005. During his time there he was also a member of the BBC’s London 2012 Olympics Steering Committee.

Mr Bakhurst’s appointment comes as Siún Ní Raghallaigh, RTÉ’s Chair of the Board is due to be questioned at the Oireachtas media committee on Wednesday about leaks of a board meeting that took place on the appointment process.

CEO of An Post, David McRedmond’s ruling out during the process was questioned by a number of board members who were also displeased with certain aspects of the interview process.

Mr McRedmond confirmed via a statement that he had in fact interviewed for the role after being suggested by several different people. He confirmed that he did so on March 13th with the Chairperson and two directors of RTÉ and was told the next day that he had not been shortlisted.

"I am no longer a candidate in any process for a role at RTÉ and for the avoidance of doubt, I have no further interest in a role at RTÉ," he said.