Synamedia has appointed digital TV software pioneer Nick Thexton as chief technology officer (CTO). Thexton will drive Synamedia's technology innovation and investment, and lead the development and delivery of new solutions. He will be in charge of the company's video platform engineering, product management, architecture and marketing.
With Thexton's appointment, Alok Gera, who served as CTO over the last 18 months, will move to the position of senior vice president and general manager, North America.
Thexton joins Synamedia from German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1. His previous positions were chief digital and product officer at Inmarsat and CTO for UK TV platform YouView. Prior to that, he worked for Cisco and NDS. He started his career with UK broadcasters Channel 4 and Thames Television.
"Having spent years in R&D shaping many of the technologies that make up Synamedia's portfolio, I have a deep affinity for the offerings and organization. My immediate focus will be an injection of ideas to support operators as they transition to IP broadcasting and develop new business opportunities. New initiatives will help video service providers win more eyeballs and build revenues in the IP era," Thexton said.
"There are few individuals in this industry with Nick's technical prowess and pedigree. With his passion for innovation, Nick will instill new levels of creativity into our R&D activity to keep our customers one step ahead in a competitive sector. With Nick at the helm, our reputation for impactful industry-defining innovation will continue undimmed," said Yves Padrines, Synamedia CEO.