BBC 'to confirm Huggers as FM&T chief'

The BBC is on the verge of confirming former Microsoft executive Erik Huggers as its new director of future media and technology, according to a report.

Huggers, who joined the corporation last year as group controller of FM&T, has been a favourite to succeed Ashley Highfield since April, when it was announced he would leave to become chief executive of the Kangaroo Project.

The new incumbent will be faced with proving to the BBC Trust that FM&T has improved its management, following a critical report which led to the budget for bbc.co.uk being frozen.

A source told MediaGuardian that the situation had resulted in commissions and freelance contracts for the division being suspended.