The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has appointed Howard Lukk as the organisation’s new director of standards.

Over the next 12 months, Lukk will take over from Peter Symes who has held the role for the past eight years. Symes will retire at the end of 2016.

Lukk is a writer and director at independent film production and management company Pannon Entertainment.

During two stints at Walt Disney Studios he worked as vice president of production systems and as vice president of production technology. Lukk also held the role of director of media systems at Pixar where he was responsible for managing the audiovisual engineering and image mastering departments.

SMPTE executive director Barbara Lange said: “Howard’s extensive knowledge is matched by his enthusiasm for the standards development process.

“His input will be invaluable as we look to improve the infrastructure that supports this important SMPTE activity.

“I look forward to having him on the team as a staff member, and I am confident that he will add to the Society’s momentum in developing the key standards shaping our industry.”

Lukk added: “The many significant technological changes taking place in our industry give an immediacy to the Society’s efforts and open up unprecedented opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the future of media creation, delivery, and consumption.”