Antonio Arcidiacono has been named as the EBU’s director of technology & innovation.
Italian takes over from Simon Fell, who left the organisation earlier this year.
Arcidiacono has been at the Paris-based satellite operator Eutelsat since 1990 and has been its director of innovation and a member of the management committee since 2008.
As a recognised expert on digital TV satellite communications, IP-based multimedia services and mobile telecommunications Arcidiacono participated in the launch of the first GSM services and was responsible for launching the first Digital TV services in Europe; he played a central role in the convergence between the broadcasting world and the Internet world in the mid 90’s with the launch of the DVB-IP set of standards; and oversaw disruptive ideas being translated into new products and commercial services.
EBU Director General Noel Curran commented: “EBU Technology & Innovation has a strong history of ground breaking work in broadcasting technologies and standards thanks to our highly qualified and dedicated team of staff and Members. I am confident that with Antonio’s broad portfolio of highly relevant experience, as well as strong management skills, we will build on this legacy and take it to the next level.”
Arcidiacono was a founding member of the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) project and has been a member of its Steering Board since its inception in 1993.
Arcidiacono has a Doctorate in Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Pisa.
Before working at Eutelsat, Antonio worked for the European Space Agency and started his career working for Telespazio and Selenia Spazio.
