Digital UK, which runs the Freeview DTT platform has appointed former Channel 4 head of product Sarah Milton to a new chief operating officer post. At the same time former Ofcom director Steve Gettings takes over Strategy and Policy role.
Milton’s operational role will incorporate the day-to-day running of the Freeview service as well as customer support and experience. At Channel 4 she launched on demand service 4oD in 2006 and oversaw its development and rebranding as All4.
She started her career at management consulting firm McKinsey, before moving into business development at ITV.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Digital UK, said “Sarah and Steve are highly respected and established leaders within the industry who both have a track record of driving change and innovation in their respective fields. I’m delighted they’re joining Digital UK to help deliver the next phase in Freeview’s evolution, uniting Britain’s most popular content all in one place, for free”.
Sarah Milton added “The UK’s TV industry is going through a period of profound change. I’m really looking forward to working with Jonathan and the team to help Freeview respond to that change, bringing my experience of transforming the TV experience to ensure that UK viewers get the outstanding service they’re used to, serving up the best of British TV.”
Steve Gettings joins in mid-March as Head of Strategy and Policy and will lead the platform’s response to Ofcom’s review of the public service broadcasters. Gettings spent 12 years at Ofcom where he held senior roles in strategy development, international policy and market intelligence as well as a period as Company Secretary. He has also worked at the BBC, Oxera and PWC
“Having been part of the BBC team that originally developed the concept of free-to-view digital TV, I’m excited to be working on the UK’s number one TV platform that plays a critical role in delivering public service broadcasting outcomes – quality content, available to all, for free,” said Gettings.
Digital UK is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Arqiva.
