Huggers confirmed as BBC new media director

Former Microsoft executive Erik Huggers has been confirmed as the BBC's new director of future media and technology.

"Erik has been a very strong group controller, FM&T for the last year," said BBC director general Mark Thompson. "He has shown tremendous commitment championing the iPlayer amongst many other projects.

"I look forward to him bringing his drive and determination to this new role, helping ensure the BBC is fit for the digital future."

Huggers, who will also join the ten-strong BBC executive board, said: "It is a tremendous privilege to be asked to lead such a talented and dynamic team in future media and technology.

"Since I joined the corporation, I have been struck by the energy and skill that BBC staff are devoting to make sure the corporation meets the challenges of the on-demand world.

"I now look forward to, along with my team, collaborating with colleagues across the BBC to ensure we respond to audience demands in providing exciting and innovative new ways of delivering the BBC's content across a range of media."

Huggers faces the immediate challenge of demonstrating management improvement in FM&T and bbc.co.uk, whose funding is currently suspended by the BBC Trust.

Ashley Highfield, the previous FM&T director, is leaving to become the first chief executive of Project Kangaroo, the video on demand joint venture from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.