UK sports and TV production firm Whisper has today appointed Richard Lancaster as its first chief technology officer (CTO).
He will begin the role later this month and be tasked with driving Whisper’s technical innovation, delivery, and strategy.
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The company said Lancaster’s appointment “further enhances Whisper’s ability to offer and implement best-in-class technical solutions for rights holders, broadcasters, streamers, commercial partners, and major events right across the sports and entertainment spectrum.”
Lancaster was previously the commercial director for the UK arm of international broadcasting and media services group NEP.
He also spent three years as the senior tech lead for the Amazon Prime Video streaming service.
Lancaster has experience in the production of several major sporting events for broadcasters and streamers, including tennis’ Wimbledon Championships, US Open and Roland Garros, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games Ceremonies, and the NFL’s Super Bowl.
He also delivered for rights holders such as European soccer’s governing body UEFA, the English Premier League and rugby union’s Six Nations across his roles at NEP and Prime Video.
Sunil Patel, Whisper’s CEO and co-founder, said: “Whisper is renowned for our ambition, innovation and delivery when it comes to creative and technical solutions for our partners. Our vision is not just to keep surprising and exciting clients – existing and prospective – but to challenge ourselves to always be pushing the boundaries when it comes to executing at scale and premium quality.
“Richard’s appointment as Whisper’s first CTO, will see his skills, experience and network help maintain our restless drive to do the best possible work at the highest levels across sport and entertainment.”
Lancaster added: “Whisper has a fantastic and well-earned reputation in the industry for combining storytelling flair and creativity with the highest standards of production and technical innovation. I have followed their progress for some time, so when the opportunity came to join them for the next stage of their journey, I jumped at it.
“It’s a pivotal time for the technical side of the industry. This means embracing the positive challenges that come by continuing to evolve, develop, and deliver original and exciting content for clients big and small, old and new. It’s a challenge and an opportunity that Whisper clearly understands and relishes.”
Earlier this year, Whisper announced changes within its senior managing team, moving Bethan Evans and Mark Cole into new leadership positions.
Evans was named as the firm's managing director for sport, with Cole (formerly MD) moving up to a newly-created role of group managing director.
In terms of Whisper’s major deals, last September it was appointed as the broadcast production partner for the next five editions of tennis’ French Open grand slam tournament.
In April 2024, meanwhile, a multi-year tie-up with the British and Irish Lions composite rugby union touring organization was announced.
