Virgin Media Taps First Digital Entertainment Chief

LONDON: David Bouchier, a veteran of the European pay-TV industry, has been tapped as Virgin Media's first chief digital entertainment officer.

The newly created role brings together the content, programming and digital entertainment teams, as the cable operator looks to further develop its proposition in the TV and entertainment market. Stephane David, the executive director of content, and Scott Kewley, the director of digital entertainment, will both report to Bouchier.

Previously, Bouchier spent six years helping to develop Sky's business across Europe, as a member of the executive management at BSkyB in the U.K. and as managing director of programming for Sky Italia. He also set up his own pay-TV broadcast businesses, creating a number of channels, including JimJam.

Tom Mockridge, Virgin Media's CEO, said: “I am delighted we have secured an executive of David’s caliber to lead our digital entertainment business. His depth of experience will help us develop the true potential of the award winning TV and entertainment services offered by Virgin Media.”
 
Bouchier added: “Our industry is evolving at an unbelievable pace as our viewers demand more and more innovation from us. Virgin Media is the network of choice for the next generation, because it matches the speed of their lifestyle. I am very excited to be joining a business which is making significant investments in what is already the U.K.’s most comprehensive TV and entertainment service.”