Richard Sharp (banker)

Richard Sharp is a British financier and businessman who served as Chairman of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from February 2021 to April 2023.

Sharp has a background in banking and finance. He worked at JP Morgan for over 20 years, holding various senior positions. He was also a partner at Goldman Sachs. Beyond banking, Sharp has held roles in a variety of sectors, including property and venture capital.

Sharp's appointment as BBC Chairman was subject to scrutiny due to his previous role as an advisor and donor to the Conservative Party, particularly his involvement in securing a loan guarantee for then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

In April 2023, Sharp resigned as BBC Chairman after a report by barrister Adam Heppinstall KC found that he had failed to declare his involvement in facilitating the loan guarantee for Johnson. The report concluded that Sharp should have declared this potential conflict of interest to the panel responsible for appointing him. He maintained that he did not advise or arrange the loan.