Derek Harrar, a former Comcast executive who was last in charge of the MSO’s video product, has joined the board of directors Brightcove as the online video publishing specialist looks to apply a heavier focus on broadcasters and TV programmers.
Brightcove, which competes with multiscreen publishing companies such as Comcast-owned thePlatform, announced last week it was acquiring online video ad insertion vendor Unicorn Media in a cash and stock deal valued at $49 million. Brightcove customers include AMC, Lifetime Networks, Starz, Turner Broadcasting, The Weather Channel, Fox, Showtime, Discovery Communications, and Virgin Media, among others.
Harrar served as SVP and GM of video and entertainment services at Comcast when he left in mid-2010.
At Comcast, Harrar was responsible for the company’s video business, including basic and digital cable subscriptions, HD, VOD and DVR services. He also was on board during Comcast’s initial 3D-TV efforts and when the operator began to develop apps for mobile devices such as the Apple iPad.
Before joining Comcast in 2004, he was VP of business development for Silicon Valley startup MegaSense, and was an investment banker for Morgan Stanley in Silicon Valley and in New York.
"It's an exciting time to join Brightcove's Board as the company expands its commitment to the media industry with the recent transaction with Unicorn Media," Harrar said, in a statement. "Addressing delivery and monetization of online video with one suite of cloud services represents another example of a great team proactively evolving a world-class company to lead in the dynamic, rapid-growth online video sector. I look forward to contributing to the company's success going forward."
"We are thrilled to welcome Derek Harrar to the Board of Directors as we expand our focus on solving the unique challenges facing broadcasters and TV programmers today," said David Mendels, chief executive officer at Brightcove, in a statement. Derek is a seasoned and recognized industry insider who brings a strong customer perspective to our board. We look forward to his input as we embark on an exciting year ahead."
