• John Keeling to implement Arqiva’s entry into VOD market
• Role to oversee programming, marketing, branding and content
• 20-year track record in multi-channel TV

Arqiva today announced the appointment of former UKTV Controller and COO, John Keeling, to the role of Platform Controller for its new VOD service.  Keeling will be responsible for overseeing all programming and marketing functions including brand development and content supply.  He will also be responsible for appointing key programming and marketing staff for the forthcoming platform.

Arqiva announced its move into online content supply in July, with the aim of hosting top-end, quality content from leading broadcasters and independent content providers targeted at a discerning UK audience.

Keeling held his operating role at BBC/Virgin joint venture UKTV from 2001 to 2007 where he sat on the boards of both UKTV and BBC Vision.  He was subsequently brought in by ITV, BSkyB, Discovery Networks and the BBC to strategise, devise and implement executive-level organisational and personal development programmes. Keeling commenced his broadcasting career with the launch of MTV Europe in 1987 followed by a six year stint at Sky where he was responsible for the movie channels throughout the early 1990s.

Pierre-Jean Sebert, recently appointed CEO of the new platform said: “I am delighted to have persuaded John Keeling to join this business.  He has a unique track record in launching and managing multi-channel television brands in the UK and understands the British audience as well as anyone in the business.”

John Keeling added, "I am delighted to accept this role in the rapidly expanding online TV sector.  This feels very much like the new frontier in the same way as multi-channel did when I first joined Sky twenty years ago.”