Peter O’Kane has held the role permanently since 2021, after a short period as interim before that
BBC chief technology officer Peter O’Kane will leave the broadcaster later this year.
O’Kane originally became interim CTO in 2020, when Matthew Postgate left the role of chief technical officer and it was split into chief technology and chief product officers. He then took on the role permanently in 2021. In 2024, he led a reorganisation of BBC R&D in order to cut costs, cutting 67 positions as part of a BBC-wide reduction of around 500 roles. In the most recent annual report, it was revealed that he earned £325,000-£329,999pa.
O’Kane had previously been director of infrastructure services, operations and commercial, and has spent over 15 years with the BBC. He will now stay on to complete a key project focused on BBC resilience and incident response before departing later this year.
In an internal note to BBC staff, chief operating officer Leigh Tavaziva said: “Peter’s time at the BBC has been defined by his unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and deep commitment to public service broadcasting. A passionate advocate for our mission, he has led major technology transformation across the organisation — leaving a legacy that will shape the BBC’s technology future for years to come. He’s also been a champion of building a diverse and capable team, nurturing talent at all levels, including apprentices, and Peter played a key role in bringing together Media Operations into “Technology and Media Operations”, as we looked to create even more development opportunities for individuals in our operational teams.”
She added: “Peter has consistently helped the organisation adapt — whether responding to external pressures or in pursuit of new opportunities. He was instrumental in enabling our shift to cloud technologies, laying the groundwork for greater flexibility and innovation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he supported the rapid rollout of remote working and ensured continuity of critical services under extraordinary pressure.”
Plans for O’Kane’s replacement are yet to be finalised, and Tavaziva said: “Peter’s departure will of course be felt. His knowledge, experience, and contribution have shaped so much of what we do. But thanks to his focus on capability-building and succession, we have a strong team in place — ready to lead the next chapter with confidence and continuity delivering for our audiences.”
O’Kane commented: “After more than 15 years at the BBC, I’ve decided that now is the right time to move on. It’s been a privilege to serve an organisation with such a vital public mission, and to work alongside so many talented and committed colleagues.
“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together – from modernising our technology landscape to supporting the BBC through some of its most challenging moments. I leave knowing that the teams are strong, resilient, and well-placed for the future.”
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