UK multiplex operator Digital 3&4 names Steve Holebrook as MD

UK broadcaster Channel 4 and ITV’s digital-terrestrial multiplex service Digital 3&4 has appointed Steve Holebrook as its new Managing Director, replacing Greg Bensberg who is stepping down after 10 years in the role.

Steve Holebrook

Reporting into the Digital 3&4 board, Holebrook will lead the strategic approach of the business and manage the operations of the Digital 3&4 service across all engagement on behalf of its joint owners Channel 4 and ITV. This will include the management of Digital 3&4’s contracts with Arqiva and BT, which recently saw Channel 4 and ITV’s Freeview channels move to cloud-based processing.

He will join Digital 3&4 on May 1.

Holebrook previously worked at Arqiva where he held a number of leadership positions, latterly overseeing the integration of the terrestrial broadcast and satellite business units in his role of managing director of media networks.

Prior to that he led the Terrestrial Broadcast business unit overseeing the 700Mhz Clearance programme and the expansion of the UK’s DAB networks as well as Arqiva’s smart meter network rollout.

Before joining Arqiva in 2005, he worked at NTL Broadcast as managing director of media solutions where he took the commercial lead for all of NTL’s relationships with satellite and terrestrial TV broadcasters.

Bensberg will remain at the company for a handover period before stepping down.

Holebrook said: “Digital 3&4 is making some huge steps forward for the television industry, and I am thrilled to be taking the helm to continue to drive innovation for the future of broadcasting. I am very much looking forward to developing Digital 3&4’s technical, legal and commercial position as well as collaborating with its excellent partners Arqiva and BT.”

Bensberg said: “I am delighted that Steve Holebrook will take over the leadership of Digital 3&4 from me this May. I have really enjoyed my time leading Digital 3&4 and working with ITV and Channel 4 colleagues and think that it is a very strong position to continue its leading role in the UK broadcasting industry. I have taken the decision to retire from this role after 50 years working in the broadcast industry starting as an apprentice with Marconi’s in Chelmsford in 1973 and spanning work in R&D with Quantel and Thames TV and regulation with the IBA, ITC and Ofcom.”