BBC ups R&D controller to chief technology officer

BBC CTO, Matthew Postgate.

The BBC has appointed controller of research and development, Matthew Postgate, as its new chief technology officer. 

Postgate, who starts his new role effective July 28, takes over from acting CTO Peter Coles who has held the position since May 2013.

Coles took over from former CTO John Linwood, who left the post after the BBC announced the closure of its failed Digital Media Initiative – a scheme that cost license fee payers £98.4 million and was branded a “complete failure” by a Public Accounts Committee investigation.

Postgate will now take responsibility for delivering the BBC’s technology strategy – a role that includes the delivery and management of broadcast and enterprise technology infrastructure, as well as the corporation’s IT requirements.

He will report directly to the BBC’s managing director of finance and operations, Anne Bulford.

“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,” said Bulford.

As controller of R&D, Postgate was previously responsible for a number of teams working on innovation, internet technologies and operations. This included the team that is due to trial delivering Ultra High Definition, 4K, video over IP and DTT broadcast technologies this summer.