Ex-Turner chief McDonough joins media firm as CEO

Former Turner northern Europe chief and BBC Worldwide executive Ian McDonough has resurfaced at the helm of cloud video specialist Forbidden Technologies.

McDonough left Turner, where he headed the broadcaster’s northern European operations, including the UK, in April.

In his new post, he is charged with driving AIM-quoted Forbidden’s commercial growth and the continued development of its cloud video platform and related applications.

The company specialises in technology that brings video production in line with the requirements of digital distribution. The platform is used, among other  things, to create video clips and highlights of live content, for viewing logging and shot selection, and for editing and captioning content remotely.

McDonough joined Turner in 2014 from the commercial arm of the BBC, where he was in charge of the BBC’s commercial channels business in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

McDonough said: “With the exponential growth in video use – rights holders, broadcast and OTT companies need more sophisticated capabilities to increase the use of their content across any device. I am extremely excited to be leading a business with this focus, and its huge potential for growth in this ever-evolving new media landscape.”

Chairman of Forbidden Technologies David Main said: “We are delighted that Ian is joining the board of Forbidden Technologies as the company’s CEO. Ian brings fantastic experience and understanding of our customers. In addition, he brings energy, a strong track record of commercial innovation and a clear ability to drive business performance. “