Ashley Highfield has quit Project Kangaroo, the commercial video on demand service from BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4, to become managing director of Microsoft UK.

Highfield became Kangaroo's CEO in April after a spell as the BBC's director of future media and technology. The service is currently the subject of a Competition Commission investigation.

Rod Henwood, previously Channel 4's new business director and Kangaroo's lead regulatory adviser, will take over as interim chief executive.

"It has been a great pleasure and challenge to take Project Kangaroo to the next stage of its journey," said Highfield. "It is something I believe passionately in and I will remain a great ambassador for the project from afar as it continues on the road to become a brilliant proposition for consumers in this exciting market. However I was presented with an amazing opportunity which I couldn’t turn down, and I am looking forward to embarking on my new challenge, while wishing everyone at the project continued success."

A search to find a permanent replacement for Highfield is now underway.