Erik Huggers to leave BBC for Intel

Erik Huggers, the BBC director responsible for online content, is to leave the broadcaster and take up a post with computer chip manufacturer Intel in the US.

Huggers, who is currently director of BBC future media and technology, will leave the BBC at the end of February and join Intel as corporate vice-president and general manager of the company's Digital Home Group.

In a message to staff today, BBC director general Mark Thompson said Erik has been "the key architect for a radical refocusing of BBC Online as part of our proposals for Delivering Quality First", which he added will be announced "in due course".

"He also presided over significant technology projects such as W1, BBC North and Fabric and has chaired the YouView consortia to the point where it was incorporated as a joint venture. He has been a dynamic and inspiring colleague and I wish him all the best with his new role at Intel."

Following Huggers' move, Thompson announced that the Future Media & Technology area will be "reorganised" into two more distinct areas, focusing on the development of digital services to the public and the technology behind the BBC.

Chief technology officer John Linwood will head the new Technology division while Ralph Rivera will be appointed as director of Future Media.

The BBC said the changes will be effective from 1 March.

Intel's president and CEO Paul Otellini said Huggers' track record in managing digital media businesses will be "an extraordinary asset".

"Erik’s background and vision for delivering new platforms, interactive content and services to consumers are an outstanding fit for Intel, and I am thrilled to welcome such a talented person to drive this key strategic business for Intel. We look forward to him joining our team."

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