Greg Dyke: Early Career

Born in May 1947, He was educated at Hayes Grammar School and later at York University where he read Politics. After an early career as a journalist, he started his broadcasting career in 1977 at London Weekend Televsion; becoming  Editor-in-Chief of TV-am in 1983 and the following year Director of Programmes for TVS (Television South). He returned to LWT in 1987 as Director of Programmes; in 1990 he became Managing Director; and from 1991 to 1994 he was Group Chief Executive of LWT (Holdings) plc.

After Granada

After the Granada take-over of LWT, Greg Dyke joined Pearson Television as Chief Executive. During his time in the post, from 1995 to 1999; he built it into the largest non-US independent production company in the world. He also guided the consortium which created Channel 5 and became its first Chairman. While at Pearson, Greg Dyke undertook a review of the Patients’ Charter of the National Health Service; at the request of the Secretary of State for Health.

Greg Dyke At BBC

Whilst at the BBC, Greg Dyke reorganised its structure with the twin aims of putting him closer to programme-makers; and of spending more of the BBC’s income on programmes and services for audiences; and less on running the organisation. He also made major commitments to use digital technology to provide new education opportunities; and to improve the cultural diversity of the workforce and BBC programmes.

TV & More

He has been Chairman of the Independent Television Association (1992-94); Chairman of GMTV (1993-94); and at various times a director of Pearson plc, Channel Four Television, ITN and BSkyB.

He was a non-Executive Director of Manchester United Football Club (1997-99); and has been a Trustee of the Science Museum since 1996. He became a Fellow of the Royal Television Society in 1998; and a Fellow of the National Film and Television School in 2002.

In November 2003, Dyke was formally appointed by the University of York as its new Chancellor; replacing Dame Janet Baker, who had served in the post since November 1991. He officially took the post in August 2004. In this role, he is the honorific and ceremonial head of the University; as well as heading the University Development Board.

Dyke’s book ‘Inside Story’ was published in September 2004. In July 2004 Dyke was awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Sunderland and Middlesex University.

Dyke is a fan of Brentford Football Club and was appointed as non-executive Chairman of the club on January 20, 2006; following the takeover by the Supporters Trust, Bees United,