Jatin Aythora, the BBC’s Director of Research and Development, is leaving the corporation after more than 11 years. He is expected to depart at the end of this week, and his position will not be replaced.
Aythora joined the BBC in 2015 as Director of Technology Strategy and Architecture before taking up his current role in 2021. During his time at the corporation, he has led work across emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, helping shape the BBC’s approach to innovation and digital development.
His departure comes as the BBC restructures its Media Tech division, which is targeting at least £100 million in cost savings. The organisation is finalising a new structure that will bring research and development expertise closer to the teams responsible for delivering BBC products and services.
A smaller central R&D team will continue to focus on long-term innovation, industry standards, future technologies and partnerships. The BBC says research and development will remain important to its public service mission, despite the organisational changes.
Aythora’s departure marks a significant leadership change for BBC R&D as the broadcaster adapts to the evolving technology landscape and the growing influence of AI.
