MTG hires Google exec as chief digital officer

Modern Times Group (MTG) has named Google executive Rikard Steiber in the new role of executive vice-president and chief digital officer, effective February 4.

MTG has also promoted Matthew Hooper to the new position of executive vice-president of group corporate communications, effective February 1, and has named Richard Beeston as vice-president of finance. Beeston will take up his post on March 11.

Steiber, who will report to MTG CEO Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, was previously global marketing director for Google’s mobile and social Advertising business, and previously served as the internet giant’s director of product marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. At MTG he will lead the digital development of MTG’s existing operations, new businesses and service offerings.

Hooper, who will also report to Lindemann, was previously Group Head of Corporate Communications and Planning. Beeston, who was previously group finance director at BBC Worldwide, worked for MTG’s Viasat Broadcasting arm from 2006-09 as chief financial officer of broadcasting. He will report to chief financial officer Mathias Hermansson.