Vewd hires Google’s former head of product for Android TV

Smart TV software provider Vewd has appointed Sascha Prüter, former head of product for Google’s Android TV, as chief product officer. 

Sascha Prüter

At Google, Prüter led product and engineering efforts for Android TV and worked directly with smart TV manufacturers, OTT providers and pay TV operators to help establish the platform globally.

In his new role he will lead all product management efforts, with a focus on Vewd’s emerging portfolio of pay TV operator products – including the recently announced Vewd OS for Android TV.

“Sascha understands how to design compelling OTT products and has deep commercial insight relevant to global pay TV operators and leading OEMs,” said Aneesh Rajaram, CEO of Vewd.

“His experience creating world class solutions aligns well with Vewd’s strategic product roadmap. I’m excited to add him to Vewd’s executive team as we look to further expand our presence as the world’s largest independent provider of OTT software.”

Prüter said: “I am very excited to join Vewd because they are best positioned to unlock the next stage of growth and innovation in the OTT sector.

“I look forward to working with Vewd’s talented teams to build a strong product portfolio that builds upon and accelerates their vision across the connected TV landscape.”

Vewd was founded 15 years ago and claims to be the world’s largest smart TV OTT software provider, and counts Samsung, Sony, Verizon and TiVo among its customers.

Prior to joining Google, Mr. Prüter headed program management teams for MediaRoom at Microsoft, and worked directly with major pay TV operators to deploy IPTV systems in global markets.