Sir Martin Sorrell backs former Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer for the role of chairman of the BBC Trust
WPP chief executive Martin Sorrell has backed Sir Howard Stringer to become the next chairman of the BBC Trust.
Of the ex-Sony and CBS executive, Sorrell said: "I think he is excellent, very smart, he knows the media industry - film, TV - inside out." Adding that the BBC would be "hard pressed" to find anyone better.
"Do I think he would be excellent for this [role], yes. He is a first class with a very broad grasp of transatlantic and global issues. In an absolute sense [the BBC] would be hard pressed to find a better candidate," he said.
Over the decades in global media business circles Sorrell and Stringer have built up a firm relationship, with Sorrell pointing out that Stringer's impact at Sony was indicative of his skills.
"He has demonstrated an excellent track record and wrestled with some of the biggest issues in the industry, especially at Sony…He is an amusing, insightful, intelligent person. Professionally and personally he would be excellent."
Reports also suggest that Sorrell has claimed Stringer's background in television news also enhanced his eligibility for the role of chairman of the BBC Trust.
Currently Stringer is a non-executive director of the BBC and had been viewed as a credible candidate for the role and had been asked to apply in the process which ultimately saw Lord Patten appointed. At the time he declined to enter.
Back in 1999 Stringer was also tapped for the director general position along with current director general Tony Hall, losing out to Greg Dyke.
Of questions about his age, Stringer is 72-years-old, Sorrell remarked: "As someone who is 69 I don't think I am in a position to say [that he is too old]. They say 60 is the new 40 don't they? [His age] shouldn't be a disqualification for the job, that would be ageist."