BSkyB hires director for digital role

British Sky Broadcasting has appointed former Comet commercial director Peter Hopper to the newly-created post of director of consumer products as it gears up for the launch of digital TV.

He will be responsible for developing integrated TV and digital satellite reception equipment and will play a key role in the promotion, marketing and sales of integrated televisions in the UK.

Hopper was previously commercial director for electrical retailer Comet where he spent more than ten years on the main board.

His job at BSkyB will be to work closely with hardware manufacturers, such as Pace, who are currently building the new digital set top boxes, as well as with retailers, to ensure the digital systems are in the shops on time for the big consumer push this autumn.

Ian West, director of digital and business development at Sky Television, says: “Peter’s extensive knowledge of the consumer electrical market, both from a manufacturing and retail perspective, will invaluable to us as we introduce the new digital era.”