BBC confirms appointment of new CTO

The BBC has named Matthew Postgate as its new chief technology officer (CTO), a year after sacking his predecessor.

Postgate is currently the BBC's controller of R&D, where he is responsible for overseeing a number of tech projects, including efforts to deliver the world's first 4K broadcasts over the internet.

He will take up his new role at the broadcaster on Monday 28 July, replacing interim CTO Peter Coles in the process.

He was ushered in as a replacement for John Linwood, who was sacked last year in the wake of the corporation's failed Digital Media Initiative.

The 98.4 million project aimed to overhaul the way BBC staff used, developed and shared multimedia material was shutdown in May 2013 having never become operational.

Linwood was suspended shortly after, before having his contract terminated in July 2013. He did not receive a pay-off.

Postgate will be reporting to Anne Bulford, the managing director of finance and operations at the BBC, who cited his technology background as a key reason for his appointment.

"He has all the qualities needed to excel in this position and I know he will bring innovation, expertise and value to the BBC," she said.

Postgate added that he was looking forward to a new challenge.

"It's been a huge honour for me to lead a number of teams within BBC Future Media. They are the best in the business and leaders in their field, just look at the BBC's World Cup UHD trials, but opportunities like this are rare and I didn't want it to pass me by," he explained.