Project Kangaroo

Highfield leaves Project Kangaroo after four months to join Microsoft as managing director of their UK online operation. He will be replaced on an interim basis by Ron Henwood, while a search for a replacement is conducted. Kangaroo Chairman Ben McOwen Wilson:

We would like to thank Ashley for leading Project Kangaroo through a crucial stage in its development, and we wish him well for the future.

Highfield is appointed CEO of Kangaroo, a video-on-demand service owned by BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4, and due to launch in 2008. He take over from Lesley Mackenzie, who has been managing the project as interim CEO. As well as overseeing the roll-out of the new service, Highfield will lead negotiations with third party content owners and the future distribution of the service on other platforms.

This is a fantastic opportunity. Kangaroo is a historic partnership with a combination of innovative technology and terrific content and I’m looking forward to transforming the way audiences watch television.