The BBC appoints Matthew Postgate as CTO

Controller of research and development takes up key technology role

The BBC has appointed controller of research and development Matthew Postgate as its new chief technology officer (CTO).

Postgate, who has a background in mobile services and new technology platforms, will lead both the internal and public-facing aspects of the BBC's technology operation.

His experience will give him insight into the BBC's recent, less-than-stellar, experiences with mobile technology platforms.

Postgate replaces acting CTO Peter Coles, who took over after John Linwood left the BBC in high dudgeon a year ago, in the wake of the failed Digital Media Initiative.

In April 2014, the Public Accounts Committee slammed the BBC for wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on the scheme, which aimed to digitise and centralise the BBC's archives and link them with production facilities, allowing staff to create, edit and manage rich media content from a range of devices.

A PwC report said that total spending on the botched scheme was £125.9m over six years, £98m of which was picked up by the taxpayer.

Postgate takes up the post at the end of this month, and will report to Managing Director of Finance and Operations Anne Bulford, who said today: "Matthew knows technology, he knows the BBC and he knows how crucial this role is for the BBC. He has all the qualities needed to excel in this position."