NEW TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT ONDIGITAL

ONDIGITAL have appointed Naomi Climer to the new post of Director of Technical Operations.
Reporting to Simon Dore, ONdigital’s Chief Technical Officer, Climer will be responsible for technical operations across both Information Systems and Engineering at ONdigital's sites in Battersea, Pembroke and Plymouth.
Climer entered the broadcast industry when she joined the BBC in 1987 as a broadcast engineer. In 1990, she left the BBC to manage IT software development projects. She then went to undertake a range of project management; engineering and system design for Broadcasters and IT based companies.
Climer returned to the BBC in 1996 first at the World Service and then at Television Centre where most recently she was Controller of Technology for BBC News. She was responsible for the long-term technology strategy within News across Radio, Television and New Media.
Climer said: “I'm really pleased to be joining ONdigital at such an exciting time in digital television's evolution. The company is constantly pushing the boundaries of technology whilst working with the consumers to sense their requirements. The pace and motivation of this organisation is wonderful and the challenge ahead is stimulating.”
With Climer’s arrival, the newly formed senior management team reporting to Simon Dore is now in place. Mark Barrington takes the position of Director of Technical Development and heads up the development of the ONdigital platform, through next generation devices and services such as PVR and DSL. Chris Hibbert, who was Chief Engineer through the build and launch of the platform, becomes Director of Engineering Policy, with responsibility for coverage extension, quality control and liaison with regulators and external industry bodies. Bob Melrose, an ex-Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent, and most recently Director of Operations at FACT (the Federation Against Copyright Theft) has been appointed to manage the security operations of the company as a whole across its nationwide activities.
Dore said: “I'm delighted that ONdigital continues to attract people of the highest calibre. Naomi's track record, great managerial skills and experience will help her make a substantial contribution to ONdigital as we move onto our second million customers. She is leading the reorganisation of the Operational departments at ONdigital, as we push forward ever more speedily with our coverage, multiplex and service plans.” (CMcL)