The BBC will soon have new leadership. Tony Hall will step down as the venerable UK broadcaster’s director general this summer, ending a seven-year tenure. Lord Hall said that he felt it was important that the BBC have the same person at the helm during its mid-term review in 2022 as it has when its charter is due for renewal in 2027.

“If I followed my heart I would genuinely never want to leave,” Hall said of his difficult decision to exit.

BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi said that the organization would start its search for a new director general “within the next few weeks.” The current speculation is that James Purnell, BBC director of radio and education, is the front-runner to assume leadership of the organization. Other possible candidates include BBC Director of News and Current Affairs Fran Unsworth and Anne Bulford, a former deputy director general for the organiztaion.