BBC hires director of product engineering and data

Jack Whyte

UK free-to-air public broadcaster, BBC, has recruited Jack Whyte as director, product engineering and data.

Whyte joins BBC’s new North-East tech hub in Newcastle, England on October 30, where he will report to BBC’s chief product officer, Storm Fagan.

He will be responsible for building, leading and scaling the company’s product engineering and data teams, which will work to transform the BBC’s digital products and services for audiences.

Whyte most recently served as global SVP of engineering, at the business planning software company Anaplan. Prior to this, at eBay, he led the European R&D group. During his tenure he spearheaded the engineering, product, design and content teams, supporting the European eBay sites.

Commenting on Whyte’s appointment, Fagan said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jack to the BBC. We’re looking forward to him bringing his wealth of engineering and data experience, helping us become the world’s first digital public service broadcaster. Our plans to transform our services like BBC iPlayer, Sounds, News and Sport – are really starting to deliver, so we’re looking forward to Jack helping us take these to the next level.”

Whyte added, “Clearly, there are no brands more beloved than the BBC; the opportunity to contribute to its continued success as it transforms itself digitally – is a dream. The BBC has such incredible products and services already, so I’m really looking forward to helping a winning team to keep winning.”