Digital UK names former C4 CTO as technology chief

Digital UK, the organisation behind UK free-to-view TV platforms Freeview and Freesat, has appointed Orpheus Warr as its chief technology officer, a newly created role for the organisation.

Orpheus Warr

Reporting to CEO Jonathan Thompson, the appointment will see Warr take on responsibility for shaping and delivering the technology strategy for the free-to-view platforms.

Warr was formerly Channel 4’s chief technology officer where he was instrumental in developing the broadcaster’s streaming service All 4, formerly 4OD.

He has also served as a board director of the DPP and continues to act as both council member of the Digital TV Group and chair of its technology steering group.

Warr will take up the new post later this month and work closely with Digital UK’s technology director, James Jackson, as well as Freesat’s technology director, Matt Poole, Digital UK said.

Thompson said: “I’m delighted Orf is taking up this new role at a critical time for the evolution of free TV in the UK. A senior leader in technology, he brings a wealth of experience across both broadcast and IP delivery and is well known across the industry for his leadership in leveraging technology to develop engaging TV services for viewers.”

Warr said: “Free TV plays a critical and hugely valuable role in the UK’s broadcasting ecosystem and I’m really looking forward to helping shape its future evolution. In an increasingly global, complex TV market, technology is central to how viewers discover and consume content. With Freeview and Freesat relied upon by over half of the UK’s homes, there’s a lot at stake and I can’t wait to start this important role.”