BBC Future Media & Technology announces appointments

Televisionpoint.com Correspondent
Ashley Highfield, Director of BBC Future Media and Technology, today announces three new and final appointments to the Future Media and Technology leadership team.

Erik Huggers joins the BBC on the 21 May as BBC Future Media and Technology Group Controller. In this principal role he will facilitate development of strategy between all three Future Media and Technology Controllers to ensure an appropriate and balanced overall portfolio of future media services.

Erik joins from Microsoft, where he has worked for the past nine years across a wide variety of industry changing digital media initiatives. After successfully launching the MSN portals in the Benelux countries he went on to lead the European business development efforts of Windows Media Technologies.

Erik established Windows Media as a leading platform used by the European media and entertainment industry to create, protect and deliver audio-visual content to consumers via the internet. Prior to joining Microsoft, Erik worked with Endemol Entertainment as Director of Business Development for their interactive division.

Paul Dale, who joined on 1 May, has stepped into the role of Future Media and Technology Controller for BBC Vision. His remit will include board level point of liaison for strategy between Future Media & Technology and BBC Vision, he will also line manage all future media designers and technologists based in the BBC Vision group.

Previously, Paul worked at BSkyB as Technology Director for Sky Networked Media, the division responsible for commissioning, production and delivery of all BSkyB's non-linear content across all platforms. His earlier career included roles with News Digital System, Laboratory Impex Systems and Southbank Consulting.

James Cridland will take up the position of BBC Head of Future Media and Technology, Audio & Music on 9 July. He will contribute to the development of pan-BBC non-linear/new media strategy and provide strategic focus for new media technology within BBC Audio & Music and prioritise investment and resource relating to new media technology in that group as well as across the BBC's portfolio.

James is currently Digital Media Director at Virgin Radio, responsible for Virgin's strategy development, technology planning and content direction of the Virgin Radio digital media portfolio. James's earlier career included working as a copywriter for Pennine Radio and Viking FM before becoming a drive time/evening presenter for The Pulse radio station. In 1998 he became Head of Creative for Hallam FM and founded his own company, Mediauk.com, in 1994 which continues to trade today.

Ashley Highfield said, "I am delighted to welcome Erik, Paul and James to the BBC, which now completes the Future Media and Technology leadership team. They are extremely talented individuals who will each make a significant contribution to the department's continued and future success."