User:Vipul/Erik Huggers

Erik Huggers is a media executive currently serving as CEO of video hosting service Vevo. He previously worked at Microsoft,  Endemol,   the BBC, and at OnCue, Intel's Internet TV effort that was acquired by Verizon.

Early life and education
Huggers hails from the Netherlands.

Microsoft and Endemol
Huggers has worked in managerial roles at Microsoft and Endemol.ref name=billboard-huggers-becomes-ceo/>

BBC
Huggers joined the BBC in May 2007, and wa appointed director of the future, media and technology arm in August 2008, replacing Ashley Highfield. Huggers was credited with bringing order amidst chaos and feudal infighting, helped by his outside perspective, while at the same time causing discontent among people for his macho attitude, leading to many who were happy to see his leave.

Huggers was also the subject of controversy when he submitted reimbursement requests for taxi rides for thousands of pounds, including £639 for a single day of taxi rides.

Huggers' departure was announced in January 2011, and his role was split into two, with John Linwood taking over technology and Ralph Rivera taking over digital media.

Intel (OnCue) and Verizon
After leaving the BBC, Huggers became corporate vice-president and general manager of the digital home group of chip maker Intel. In that role, he led OnCue, Intel's Internet TV effort.

In January 2014, it was announced that Verizon was acquiring OCue, and Huggers would become a senior vice president at Verizon.

Vevo
In late April, 2015, it was announced that Huggers was joining video hosting service Vevo as CEO, taking over from Rio Caraeff, Vevo's founding CEO, who left at the end of 2014. Huggers works from Vevo's New York City headquarters.

In his role as CEO, Huggers initially planned to focus on launching a paid subscription. Huggers has identified as one of his main challenges making people aware of and engaged with the Vevo brand directly; as of now the majority of views of Vevo videos happen on the YouTube platform.