Leadership Team

Jonathan Thompson Chief Executive, Digital UK

Jonathan leads the development of Freeview, the nation’s biggest TV platform.  

In 2015, Jonathan oversaw the launch of Freeview Play, now the UK’s fastest-growing TV service. 

Jonathan is responsible for the day-to-day management of digital terrestrial television (DTT) and the development of the long-term strategy for Freeview. He also seeks and develops collaborative partnerships with broadcasters and industry in pursuit of Digital UK’s goals.  

A former director of strategy for Ofcom and Channel 4, Jonathan has extensive experience of working in broadcasting and the regulatory environment. Before joining Digital UK, he worked in the Office of the Chairman at DMGT plc, advising on group strategy. 

Jonathan is also a member of the Which? Council, the management body of the Consumers’ Association. 

Owen Jenkinson Marketing Director

Owen leads all marketing and communications activities at Freeview. 

Reporting to the Freeview Board of Directors, he ensures the Freeview brand remains salient, relevant and respected. 

During his 10-year tenure, Owen has overseen a range of award-winning campaigns, a successful rebrand and high-profile product launches for Freeview HD and Freeview Play. 

Before joining Freeview, Owen helped to launch video-on-demand services for PlayStation and Channel 4.

He also spent eight years in account management at some of London’s best known marketing agencies, including three years as co-founder of a start-up agency. 

Owen holds an MSc in Consumer Psychology, specialising in the role of emotions in advertising and the effects of social influence on consumers. 

Kate Macefield 700MHz Clearance Programme Director, Digital UK

Kate is leading the national TV infrastructure project to clear spectrum for 5G, making sure that viewers retain the breadth of Freeview services throughout the process.  

Since joining in 2009, Kate has taken on several roles related to Freeview’s management and technical operations.

As Broadcast Director she helped to develop and implement Freeview’s strategic vision for the platform.

Kate also led engagement with key stakeholders during the digital switchover, ensuring the smooth delivery of digital terrestrial television (DTT). 

Prior to this, Kate worked in project management and editorial for CBS International, formally CNET Networks. 

James Jackson Technology Director, Digital UK

James is responsible for the management of the technology supporting the Freeview platform. 

After joining Digital UK in 2015, James spearheaded the successful technical development and delivery of Freeview Play.

Today he leads the technology team, ensuring the platform continues to deliver the best possible viewing experience for its millions of viewers.  

James has extensive experience of developing and managing distribution services. He has held a range of senior roles in the BBC's strategy, distribution and technology teams, encompassing commercial and engineering management. 

Eric Mitchell Finance and Legal Director, Digital UK

Eric plays a key role in ensuring the continued growth of the Freeview Play platform. 

In 2018 Eric helped to negotiate the £125 million investment from Freeview’s shareholders to secure the future of free-to-air TV in the UK.

The agreement has allowed Freeview to launch on mobile, furthering its evolution into a fully hybrid platform. Freeview Play is now the UK’s fastest-growing TV platform. 

Eric also oversees Freeview Play’s contracts with manufacturers and content providers to ensure that it continues to serve all parties and deliver the best possible viewer experience.  

Eric is a chartered accountant and, prior to joining Digital UK, he worked for an independent accountancy.  

Simon Hunt Strategy and Business Development Director, Digital UK

Simon leads the commercial and product development of Freeview Play. 

Under Simon’s watch, Freeview has significantly expanded its partnership with leading TV manufacturers, contributing to the sale of over 7 million Freeview Play devices.   

Simon has a wealth of experience working in the TV industry, including several senior roles in the Pay TV sector.

He was Vice President of Products at Sling TV, where he worked with partners including Apple, Google and Disney. 

Simon also oversaw the product management and development teams at Virgin Media and played a key role in the launch of TiVo in the UK.  

Liz Reynolds Head of Communications and External Affairs

Liz provides strategic communications counsel to the senior management team, spanning stakeholder engagement, lobbying and communications. 

Working closely with the policy team, Liz ensures the continuation of a supportive policy environment and external support for the Freeview platform.

Liz leads on our annual stakeholder event, Outside the Box, which has become a staple of the television industry circuit. 

A passionate believer in free television for all, Liz has held a number of key roles at Freeview, covering research and insight, strategy and policy. 

Before joining Freeview, Liz worked at the Games division of BBC Worldwide and at several research consultancies. 

Jaspel Kaur Head of Human Resources, Digital UK

Jaspel works closely with the leadership team, shaping and driving Freeview’s comprehensive HR service. 

Jaspel leads our People Strategy to ensure that, through the recruitment of ambitious and talented staff, we continue to deliver the world’s best free TV service.

As Freeview grows, Jaspel is directing the hiring process as well as focusing on talent development and delivering training programmes and cultural change initiatives for staff and managers.     

Before joining Freeview, Jaspel worked at the BBC across UK and global business areas including the BBC World Service, News, and Digital.