Huggers replaces Highfield as director of future media and technology

Published Friday 18 July 2008 at 12:20 by Matthew Hemley

The BBC has appointed Erik Huggers to replace Ashley Highfield as director of future media and technology.

Huggers is currently group controller of the future media division and becomes director after Highfield left to take up the post as chief executive of Kangaroo, a new video-on-demand service owned by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

In his new role, which he starts on August 1, Huggers also joins the Corporation’s executive board.

He will be responsible for the BBC’s output on the internet, interactive TV, mobile and broadband, including the BBC iPlayer

Director general Mark Thompson said: “Erik has been a very strong group controller of future media and technology for the last year. He has shown tremendous commitment championing the iPlayer among many other projects. I look forward to him bringing his drive and determination to this new role, helping ensure the BBC is fit for the digital future.”

Huggers joined the BBC last year from Microsoft corporation, where he worked across a wide variety of digital media initiatives.