The BBC has appointed a new CTO a year after its ex-technology officer left over a £100m failed digital project.
The public broadcaster has revealed current R&D controller Matthew Postgate as the leader of its technology strategy, which encompasses enterprise IT infrastructure and the BBC’s internal IT requirements.
His background in R&D saw him lead the first public value test for iPlayer, as well as working on emerging platforms and mobile services for the Corporation.
He said in a statement: "It’s been a huge honour for me to lead a number of teams within BBC Future Media. They are the best in the business and leaders in their field, just look at the BBC’s World Cup UHD trials, but opportunities like this are rare and I didn’t want it to pass me by. I look forward to working with my new colleagues in technology."
Postgate will take up the role on Monday, July 28, succeeding Peter Coles, who stepped in as interim CTO following the acrimonious departure of ex-CTO John Linwood, forced to leave last July.
He was sacked over the failed £100 Digital Media Initiative (DMI), a scheme to link digital production tools with a central, digital archive for staff to access throughout production periods.
The Corporation had to write off £100m of taxpayer money due to the failure, but Linwood is awaiting the results of an employment tribunal he launched with a claim of unfair dismissal from his £280,000 per year job.
Postgate will report in his new role to the BBC’s MD of finance and operations, Anne Bulford.
She said: "Matthew knows technology, he knows the BBC and he knows how crucial this role is for the BBC. He has all the qualities needed to excel in this position and I know he will bring innovation, expertise and value to the BBC. I would also like to thank Peter Coles for his excellent stewardship of the team over the year as interim CTO."
Picture: Matthew Postgate
