Richard Halton is to step down as CEO of YouView from the end of 2018.
Halton was Controller of Business Strategy at the BBC where he led development of Project Canvas and became CEO of the newly formed company in September 2010.
Simon Duffy, Chairman of YouView said “YouView is now a world class technology platform which blends the best of the UK’s major broadcasters and communication companies with digital OTT services. Richard has been a major contributor to this success, marshalling a unique partnership between YouView’s seven shareholders – BT, TalkTalk, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Arqiva. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
What began as a next generation platform for the UK’s public service broadcasters emerged as the springboard for BT and TalkTalk to enter the television arena after the intervention of the competition authorities.
Halton said “It has been a fantastic ten years at the helm of an extraordinary business – one that now shapes the way three million homes find and watch television. To have led YouView through such an exciting time in the TV industry has been a privilege and I would like to thank my team as well as our shareholders and partners for their unerring support, commitment and energy. After a decade I feel it is time to move on and explore new opportunities, knowing that I leave YouView well set for the future.”
In the statement announcing Halton’s departure shareholders BT, TalkTalk, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Arqiva confirmed their commitment to YouView.
BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Arqiva are also shareholders in the similar Freeview Plus.
Halton is the second high-profile departure in recent days with the announcement that Guy North is to step down as managing director of Freeview in October.
