Everyone TV is the new name for Digital UK, made up of the UK’s leading public service broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. The organisation has now appointed Erik Huggers as the new Chairman.
Mr Huggers is a highly respected senior executive with a wealth of international leadership experience gained across a variety of media and tech businesses. He spent eight years at Microsoft as a Senior Director in both Europe and the US before joining the BBC in May 2007. There, he led the launch of BBC iPlayer. Mr Huggers subsequently went on to hold senior roles at Intel, Verizon and Vevo, serving as CEO for three years at the latter.
As Chairman of Everyone TV, he will provide leadership and direction to the organisation’s Board of Directors and senior management team. He succeeds Caroline Thomson, who is stepping down after more than 10 years in the role.
Ms Thomson took on the role of Chair in 2012 following delivery of the UK’s digital switchover. During the course of her tenure, the company has managed two further infrastructure projects – the clearance of the 800Mhz and 700Mhz bands of spectrum for mobile services, the launch of connected TV service Freeview Play, the joining of Channel 5 as a shareholder and a merger with free satellite platform, Freesat.
Everyone TV now runs the UK’s leading free TV services, Freeview and Freesat, under the management of CEO, Jonathan Thompson. The organisation recently updated its name to better reflect its mission to champion free TV for all.
Mr Huggers said: “As the worlds of tech and entertainment increasingly converge, it’s imperative that the distribution of free TV adapts. I’m very much looking forward to working with the public service broadcasters as well as Jonathan and his senior leadership team to help shape the next phase of free TV in the UK.”
Ms Thomson added: “I am immensely proud of all that Digital UK, now Everyone TV, has achieved during the time I’ve been Chair and how far it’s come. I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure and will be following closely where the organisation and free TV go next.”
