Erik Huggers lands top BBC tech job

Erik Huggers takes over from Ashley Highfield as BBC director of Future Media & Technology

The BBC has appointed Erik Huggers as director of Future Media & Technology effective from 1 August.

Huggers is being promoted from group controller of the division and is taking up the mantle from Ashley Highfield, who moved on to head up video-on-demand service Kangaroo.

"It is a tremendous privilege to be asked to lead such a talented and dynamic team in Future Media & Technology," said Huggers.

"I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the BBC to ensure that we respond to audience demands in providing exciting and innovative ways of delivering BBC content across a range of media."

Huggers will join the BBC Executive Board and will be responsible for all things internet, such as iPlayer and interactive TV.

He will also be responsible for the BBC's enterprise and broadcast technology strategy and delivery.

Huggers joined the BBC in 2007 after working on several digital media projects at Microsoft.