BBC CTO Peter O’Kane to step down

O’Kane’s departure comes after more than 15 years at the BBC. He took over as interim Chief Technology & Product Officer in 2020, before becoming CTO permanently in 2021. Before this this he was Director of Infrastructure Services, Operations and Commercial.

The Technology Group also includes BBC Research and Development and the team that secured the BBC’s archive for future use.

Writing on LinkedIn, O’Kane announced his departure to BBC staff. “This wasn’t an easy decision — working with you has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring parts of my career. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together: from modernising our technology landscape and embracing the cloud, to keeping the BBC on-air and online through some of the most challenging moments in recent history.

“Together, we’ve delivered major projects, supported colleagues and audiences (including through the Covid pandemic), and built a resilient, forward-looking Technology and Media Operations group. We’ve transformed how we work — bringing together a more unified, collaborative, and capable team that reflects the diversity, creativity, and commitment of the BBC itself. That team now includes apprentices, specialists, and leaders across the UK — and it continues to grow in strength and confidence.”

O’Kane said he will be staying on for a while to complete a key project focused on technology resilience, and to support a smooth transition.