Erik Huggers appointed director of BBC Future Media and Technology
Friday, July 18th, 2008
The BBC get a big Hug
Erik Huggers has been chosen as the BBC’s director of future media and technology, replacing Ashley Highfield, it was announced today. He will start his new job on August 1st.
A Dutch national, Mr Huggers joined the corporation last year as group controller of future media and technology, after switching from Microsoft where he had worked in a number of business roles for nine years. Since he started at the BBC he has been widely tipped for the role of department director. He will be responsible for all new media output over the internet, mobile platforms and interactive TV, and will as well as the development and performance of the BBC’s iPlayer broadband catch-up service.
Mr Huggers said he will help the corporation “respond to audience demands in providing exciting and innovative new ways of delivering the BBC’s content across a range of media”.
BBC Director General Mark Thompson said that Mr Huggers had shown “great commitment” in promoting the iPlayer. “I look forward to him bringing his drive and determination to this new role, helping ensure the BBC is fit for the digital future,” he said.
Because of criticism centering around weak management within the department, the BBC is also likely to recruit a head of editorial strategy who will work alongside Mr Huggers.
